IPC, CEMESO Convene Forum to Enhance Electoral Reporting in Anambra
By Chizoba Njaka
To promote judicious and impartial reporting among media practitioners in Anambra State, particularly in the context of the November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election, the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), with support from the European Union, convened a two-day forum on "Enhanced Reportage, Inclusivity, and Accountability of Stakeholders Towards Anambra Poll".
The forum, which took place at the BON Hotel, Awka, aimed to promote professionalism and unbiased reporting among media practitioners in Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election, was attended by various stakeholders, including the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer; SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Head of Media Organisations, Reporters and Association of Photographers (AOP), Anambra State Chapter, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Edwin Okadigbo, and Director, National Orientation Agency; Edozie Ajaegbu. The event was generously funded by the European Union through the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase 2 (EU-SDGN II) programme.
It facilitated a structured dialogue among stakeholders, enabling the exchange of ideas and experiences in promoting peaceful and credible electoral processes. The primary objectives of the forum were to enhance professional capacity, foster ethical and inclusive electoral reporting, and promote collaborative efforts among multiple stakeholders. By convening this forum, the organizers aimed to make a meaningful contribution to the development of an informed and engaged citizenry, while upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Anambra State.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade emphasized the critical role of the media in disseminating accurate and informative election coverage. He highlighted the media's responsibility in monitoring governance and reporting on electoral activities with precision.
Mr Arogundade noted that the forum provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, identify best practices, and explore innovative approaches to enhance election coverage and reporting.
He further emphasized that elections constitute the cornerstone of democratic societies, underscoring the importance of capacitating journalists to report on electoral processes with utmost professionalism and ethics. By doing so, he noted that such efforts would contribute significantly to enhancing accountability and fostering a more participatory democratic culture.
Also in his remark, the Executive Director, CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu stated that the event aimed to facilitate a renewed dialogue between governance aspirants and citizens, emphasizing the media's critical role in upholding press freedom, amplifying diverse voices, and promoting electoral integrity. This, he noted, was essential for fostering peace and mitigating polarization in the electoral process.
Dr. Akingbulu further emphasized that CEMESO's partnership with IPC underscores their shared commitment to realizing this vision in Anambra State, working collaboratively to ensure its successful attainment.
During her lecture, titled "Embedding Ethics, Professionalism, Inclusion and Issue-Focused Reporting Before and After The Anambra Governorship Election", Dr. Njideka Ezeonyejiaku, a distinguished Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and seasoned media practitioner, emphasized that ethical reporting is paramount in serving the best interests of society.
Dr Ezeonyejiaku reminded media practitioners that their reports should adhere to ethical standards and avoid causing harm to individuals or groups stressing the significance of upholding ethical journalism and professional conduct in election reporting.
She highlighted that inclusivity and issue-based reporting are essential characteristics of an ethical and professional journalist urging journalists to adhere to the fundamental principles of journalism, prioritizing the well-being and interests of citizens in their reporting.
In their respective contributions, the Police Public Relations Officer,SP Tochukwu Ikenga, affirmed the police force's preparedness to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the safety of electorates during the November 8 election. He expressed concern about content creators who disseminate misinformation and disinformation without verifying their sources, while commending members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) for their professionalism in verifying facts before publication.
While the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), SC Edwin Okadigbo noted that his agency is mandated to safeguard electoral infrastructure and create a peaceful environment free from intimidation, thuggery, and vote buying assuring that NSCDC is ready to work with other stakeholders to ensure a smooth election process.
Mr Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Edozie Ajaegbu on the other hand, stated that his agency is actively engaged in creating awareness and mobilizing citizens towards the upcoming election in various Local Government Areas through their mobilization officers, in line with its mandate.