The International Press Center in Collaboration with European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) on Monday had interactions with online Media Executives from Five South West States of Nigeria, calling for effective reportage of values of democracy and adequate coverage of activities of women in political positions.
The Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, while welcoming participants which were drawn from Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States said the engagement is to seek for the collaboration of online Media Executives on ways to effectively promote democracy through ethical and professional electoral reporting.
Arogundade said engagement was also organized to foster collaboration among online media executives and secure commitments towards inclusive, fair, and accountable reporting of the electoral process towards off-line and 2027 general elections.
He challenged media Executives to uphold professionalism, fact-checking, and civil responsibilities.
He also encouraged them to promote the participation of women in politics, give more space to youth and persons with disabilities, and educate the public on political and voting processes as the 2027 elections approaches.
He said, “As on-line media last gatekeepers, operational leaders play a decisive role in shaping narratives and setting standards. This engagement offers an opportunity to strengthen your commitment to democratic values, promotes activities of women who occupy special positions in politics like Lawmakers at the National and State levels, and Chairmen of Local governments, promote credibility, transparency, and social inclusion.”
Meanwhile, Online media executives from Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, and Ogun states have commended the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) for its significant contributions to the Nigerian society, particularly the media industry.
The commendation was made during a one-day engagement and interface event with print and online media practitioners’ leaders in the five states, organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) in collaboration with the European Union (EU). The event took place at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Chairman of the Southwest Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), Pastor Bisi Oladele, said the On-line media organizations will continue to promote the ethics of journalism and engage in more developmental reportage in order to strengthen Nigeria democracy.
He expressed readiness to partner with the IPC to promote professionalism among online publishers.
Also, the Publisher of Parrot Xtra Magazine and PMParrot, Mr. Olayinka Agboola, called for continued training and workshops to upgrade the skills and quality of journalists across the country.
In his contribution, the Publisher of Salient Times, Mr Abiodun Taiwo called on on-line media Executives to engage in more of grassroot reportage, focusing on the achievements of female Lawmakers so as to encourage other women to go into politics and aspire for elective positions.
Publishers of various online media outlets, including Reporters At Large, NewsCoven, PMParrot, The Tabloid News, Oyo Insight, Treasure Newspaper, Insight Links News, City Mirror, Salient Times, Arise, and News Daily, attended the engagement/interface with the IPC.
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between the media, civil society, and government in promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
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