Ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the International Press Centre, IPC in collaboration with the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO with the support by the European Union is holding a two-day forum on “Enhanced Reportage, Inclusivity, and Accountability of Stakeholders towards Anambra Poll.
The event, held at Bon Hotel, Smith City, Awka for reporters, news editors and heads of media organisations was to deepen civic and voter participation with funding by the European Union under Component 4: Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EU-SDGN II).
Welcoming the participants, the Executive Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade noted that election is the bedrock of a democratic society, pointing out that the need to retrain journalists on ethical, and professional reportage of election would enhance accountability and participatory democracy.
In a remark, the Executive Director, CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu noted that the event was aimed at guiding the journalists to renew a conversation between those who seek to govern and those who elect the leaders by upholding media freedom, amplifying voices and deepening electoral integrity so as to secure peace over polarization.
The resource person, Dr. Njide Ezeonyejiaku of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka who spoke on “Embedding Ethics Professionalism Inclusion and Issue-Focused Reporting Before and After the Anambra Election harped on the importance of ethical journalism and professional conduct in the election reportage, stressing that inclusion, issue based reports are the hallmark of an ethical and professional reporter, calling on the journalists to report according to the ethos of journalism for the best interest of the citizens.
Also in a technical session, the IPC Executive Director, Mr. Arogundade drilled the participants on codes of election coverage and enjoined journalists to abide by the professional and social responsibilities guiding their practice.
Interactive sessions also featured, and the event continues today.
