As Nigeria prepares for the general election coming up next year, Journalists in the country have been tasked on proper knowledge and Understanding of Electoral act to guide them in their day to day reportage and discharge of their duties.
This forms part of the submissions given by a Professor of Mass Communication at University of Ilorin, Unilorin,Kwara state Saudat Abubakr .
NAWOJ Chairpersons Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos
The Don spoke on Thursday at a one day capacity building workshop organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ to commemorate the NEC meeting in the last quarter of 2022.
The theme of the event is – The Electoral Process: Safety and responsibilities of Journalists.
The program came up at Lis Hotel And Suites in Ilorin Kwara State capital.
Prof. Abubakr stated Journalist is at the center of everything that has to do with election /politics. Election is about citizenry and must be reported to the citizens.
“This must be done by Journalists. In doing this, Journalists are exposed to many risks, that’s where the issue of safety comes in. Harassment, killing have been experienced by Journalists on duties
“Journalists must be objective and unbiased otherwise credibility ‘ ll be betrayed.
“Safety implies that no susceptible to harassment. The situation now is not as simple as it is Journalists are killed, murdered beaten.
“Journalists must be up and down to stay safe they need to be knowledgeable about what they are being reported for truthfulness, understand the electoral act, avoid hate speech or any inflammatory metaphor.
“Journalists should educate citizens about this for promotion of national peace and security. Don’t encourage the use of unguided language and behavior. Journalists must preach peace and orderliness. No stereotype or attack on minority”
The University Lecturer used the occasion to applaud the Kwara state governor ,His Excellency Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq on women inclusion in affairs of governance in the state.
She added that “Journalists must study safety manual, familiarize yourself with environment under report ,be guided by ethical standards of the profession . Be inclusive in your report. Everybody is important”
She tasked government and other relevant stakeholders to prioritize training of Journalists on safety measures in the interest of the nation.
Earlier the NAWOJ Chairperson in the state Mrs Ayobola Ipinlaye
appreciated the presence of all state chapters and the efforts of the National body of the Association in the line of activities.
The President of NAWOJ, Mrs Ladi Bala said choosing the topic for discussion became necessary as the 2023 election is on the way and considering all the crucial roles which must be played by Journalists during the poll.
The state governor represented by the Commissioner for Communication Mr OlabodeTowoju described the administration of governor Abdul Razaq as visionary and dynamic which prioritizes women development.
” 35 percent affirmative has been signed into law in Kwara. Women Political aspirants cut across local government in Kwara and many more” added that “The input of Journalists is crucial in security and other development matters”
Towoju urged Journalists to be professional and shun propaganda in discharge of their duties.