IPC, CEMESO Sets To Train 60 Journalists On Election Coverage Ahead Ondo 2024

By Joseph Sunday 

All is now set for the International Press Centre, IPC and the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO to commenced the training of 60 Journalists on effective election coverage and host series of dialogue and stakeholders’ engagement in Akure, the Ondo State capital ahead of the Ondo State 2024 Governorship Election in the State. 

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According to the press release signed by Olutoyin Ayoade, the Communication Officer for the Component 4 (Support to Media) of the EUSDGN II Project, said the two days training will commenced today Tuesday, September 10, 2024 and end on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

Ayoade highlighted the objectives for the dialogue and stakeholders’ engagement to include discussions on fair hearing, ethics and steps to achieving an inclusive coverage of the electoral processes by the media and peaceful conduct by the citizens ahead of the Ondo poll.

Ayoade pointed out that the two days Ondo State media stakeholders engagement will also help to strengthen democratic consolidation in Nigeria through professional and responsible media coverage of elections. She identified the Electoral Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage as major materials to focus on.

The dialogue will also help to address early warning signals related to the socio-political context of the Ondo elections and include discussions on enhancing media practices in reporting electoral campaigns and the elections themselves.

Representatives from the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, IPC will actively participate and engage on critical issues affecting the elections, such as the need for inclusive, issue-focused, and gender-sensitive reporting. 

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The sessions will also include interactions with institutional stakeholders including the Ondo State INEC, the Ondo State Police Command, and the Ondo State National Orientation Agency. 

The discussions will further emphasise the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure journalists safety, a violence-free election and effective civic/voter education.

Following this, CEMESO will conduct media engagements and appearances on TV and radio on September 12 & 13, 2024. These engagements will focus on off-season election issues such as voter and civic education, monitoring electoral bodies’ preparations, managing political interferences, and ensuring balanced and detailed programming for Election Day.

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Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, said: “Off-season elections often face challenges of low public engagement and visibility, therefore, dynamic dialogues between media and election stakeholders are vital to maintain transparency, accountability, and public awareness. By fostering these collaborations, the media can effectively fulfill its watchdog role, provide accurate information, and stimulate citizen participation, ultimately strengthening the democratic process.”

Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, added: “Effective interaction with media and election stakeholders is essential for a successful electoral process. By addressing key issues such as electoral reforms, voter rights, and media responsibilities, we aim to ensure these topics remain central to public discourse. This helps enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process and leverages the media’s role in fostering a well-informed electorate, ultimately upholding the overall integrity of the electoral process.”

The media programs, which will also involve stakeholder analysis of voter education issues within the framework of the off-season election, will engage up to 60 journalists from broadcast, print, and online media. These journalists will be covering the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 2024.

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