SW Journalists Undergo Training on Election Coverage

There is a need for journalists to be mindful of the impacts of their works on national peace and stability as the 2023 general elections draw closer. 

Speakers and resource persons made the submission in Abeokuta while addressing journalists drawn from across the Southwest region of Nigeria at a capacity-building workshop organized by the Nigeria Press Council. 

In the opening remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile said the journalists must be cautious about what they write, so as not to cause crisis which according to him, would amount to writing the nation out of existence. 

Alhaji Odusile who reminded journalists that personal security and safety should be their priority maintained that their manner of reporting issues would determine the way Nigerians would perceive it. 

He urged them to avoid fuelling crisis, noting that truth in the context of peace would be counter-productive if speaking the truth that could create conflicts, hence the agenda-setting role of the media should be handled effectively. 

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Mr Francis Nwosu had restated the Council’s commitment to protecting the interest of Journalists and assisting them to excel. 

Mr Nwosu emphasized that upholding standard journalism practice in the country was the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, stating that all hands must be on deck to reposition journalism.

Addressing the participants, the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State Council, Mrs Omolola Adeyinka who spoke through a member of the Committee, Mr Simeon Fakeye applauded the Nigeria Press Council for the unrelenting efforts to reposition journalism. 

The workshop with the theme, “Effective Coverage and Reportage of 2023 General Elections” is aimed at empowering journalists to enable them to discharge their duties effectively in projecting all activities pre-election, during the elections and post-election periods.

Wale Oluokun

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