Ondo 2024: Media and Election Stakeholders Set to Meet Over Election Integrity

Story Summary:

• Event Purpose: The meetings aim to promote fair media coverage, encourage peaceful voter behavior, and enhance transparency and accountability in the Ondo state governorship election.
• Organizers: The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) are leading the initiative, supported by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EUSDGNII) project.
• Dates: The meetings and media programs are scheduled for September 10-13, 2024.
• Key Activities: IPC’s dialogues will focus on media ethics, accountability, and socio-political issues. CEMESO will conduct TV and radio programs on voter education and managing political interference.
• Collaboration: The initiative involves various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State INEC, Ondo State Police Command, and the National Orientation Agency.

As the Ondo state off-cycle governorship election approaches, the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) are gearing up to host a series of meetings with media professionals and election stakeholders starting September 10, 2024.

The goal is to promote fair and comprehensive media coverage and encourage peaceful voter behavior.

These engagements are part of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EUSDGNII) project, which aims to bolster democratic processes in Nigeria through responsible media practices.

The initiative follows recommendations from the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), which highlight the need for adherence to electoral laws and media codes.

The IPC’s Media and Election Stakeholders Dialogue on September 10 and 11 will focus on ensuring accountability and ethical conduct among media and election players.

Discussions will cover early warning signs of socio-political issues and strategies for improving electoral campaign coverage.

Collaborating with the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), IPC will address the importance of inclusive and gender-sensitive reporting.

The sessions will also include dialogues with the Ondo State INEC, the Ondo State Police Command, and the National Orientation Agency to emphasize the need for journalist safety and a violence-free election.

On September 12 and 13, CEMESO will conduct TV and radio programs to discuss off-season election topics such as voter education, the role of electoral bodies, and managing political interference.

IPC’s Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, stressed the importance of media and stakeholder dialogues for enhancing transparency and public engagement in off-season elections.

“These discussions are crucial for maintaining accountability and promoting informed citizen participation,” Arogundade stated.

CEMESO’s Executive Director, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of media in addressing electoral reforms and voter rights.

“Our aim is to keep these issues in the spotlight, enhancing the credibility and transparency of the electoral process,” Akingbulu said.

The media programs will involve about 60 journalists from various media sectors who will cover the Ondo State governorship election slated for November 2024.