Ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, the International Press Centre (IPC) in collaboration with the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), and with the support of the European Union, has organised a media workshop in Awka to promote accountable, inclusive, and ethical election reporting.The workshop brought together journalists, media executives, and independent practitioners from various media organisations across the state to enhance professionalism in election coverage.Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, emphasised the critical role of the media in shaping public discourse, urging journalists to uphold the Nigerian Code of Election Coverage and ensure that the media—not politicians—sets the agenda for public interest.Similarly, the Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, noted that the training was timely as the world’s attention is on Anambra ahead of the election. He encouraged journalists to maintain objectivity and professionalism in their reports while engaging all stakeholders constructively.Delivering a lecture on ethics, professionalism, and issue-based reporting during elections, Dr. Njideka Ezeonyejiaku of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, advised journalists to avoid sensationalism and biased reporting. She urged them to uphold balance, accuracy, and fairness while resisting unethical practices such as brown-envelope journalism.In their remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu; Sun Newspaper Correspondent, Aloysius Attah; and independent journalist, Karen James, lauded the organisers for the impactful training. They noted that the workshop provided a vital platform for interaction and professional improvement ahead of the governorship election.
