Chinedum Elekwachi
International Press Centre, IPC has underscored the need to retrain journalists on ethical, and professional reportage ahead of November 8 governorship election in Anambra state.
Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade made the call in Awka during a two-day forum on “Enhanced Reportage, Inclusivity, and Accountability of Stakeholders towards Anambra Poll.
The event, held for reporters, news editors and heads of media organisations was to deepen civic and voter participation.
It was funded by the European Union under Component 4: Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EU-SDGN II).
Addressing participants, Arogundade described election as bedrock of a democratic society.
He stressed that retraining journalists would enhance accountability and participatory democracy.
“Retraining journalists on ethical and professional reportage of election will enhance accountability and participatory democracy,” he said.
Drilling on election coverage codes
Arogundade drilled the participants on codes of election coverage, enjoining them to abide by journalism professional and social responsibilities.
Executive Director, Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu explained that the event was to guide journalists to renew a conversation between the candidates and voters.
“This engagement is targeted at renewing conversations between those who seek to govern and those who elect the leaders.
“This is achieved by upholding media freedom, amplifying voices and deepen electoral integrity to secure peace over polarization,” he said.
Resource person, Dr Njide Ezeonyejiaku, of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka presented a paper themed “Embedding Ethics professionalism Inclusion and Issue-Focused Reporting Before and After the Anambra Election”.
Dr. Njide Ezeonyejiaku harped on the importance of ethical journalism and professional conduct in the election reportage.
She described inclusion and issue-based reports as hallmark of ethical and professional reporter.
She called on the journalists to report according to the ethos of journalism for the best interest of the citizens.
