IPI trains Nigerian journalists on elections coverage

As part of activities to mark its annual world congress, the International Press Institute (IPI) will tomorrow train Nigerian journalists from various media organisations on effective coverage of elections in the country.
According to Milica Miletic of the Institute, the training workshop is being organised by the Global Network for Media Freedom with the cooperation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); International Media Support, IMS and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Nigeria, respectively. The IPI World Congress 2018 is holding in Abuja from Thursday, June 21 to Saturday, 23 with the theme: “Why Good Journalism Matters.” Miletic stated: “This intensive one-day workshop aims to strengthen skills and insights for reporting on all aspects of elections, with a particular focus on Nigeria’s upcoming elections.” He explained that the workshop would particularly help the participating journalists to be able to analyse the elements that constitute free and fair elections and cover any aspect that compromises the integrity of electoral processes and institutions, and have a good understanding of the upcoming elections in Nigeria.
Miletic added that it would also enable them to be aware of the legal framework of election reporting (which laws are relevant and how do they affect journalists’ work in election coverage) as well as aware of the ethical framework of election reporting and know the meaning of codes of practice/ codes of ethics for journalists covering elections.
Similarly, he said the training would promote journalists’ skills in knowing which journalistic sources are likely to lead to greater accuracy and fairness, the information that audiences and voters need to receive in order to make informed decisions at the polling booth, and the best practices in election coverage online and through social media platforms. He stated that some eminent media gurus would be resources persons at the event scheduled to hold at the UNESCO Regional Office, Abuja.
They include the National Professional Officer (Communication & Information Sector) UNESCO Nigeria, Olushola Macaulay; Head of Advocacy, IPI, Ravi Prada and the former Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa ( MFWA), Kwame Karikari Others are the Director, International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos, Lanre Arogundade; renowned writer, editor, trainer and author, Lanre Idowu; and the Deputy Director, Electoral Training, INEC, Ifeanyichukwu Agoha, respectively.
The IPI annual world congress is expected to affirm the indispensable role of quality media in building strong societies, showcasing investigative stories and projects that bring positive change to individuals and communities in Africa and around the world.
IPI is a Vienna-based global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists dedicated to furthering and safeguarding press freedom, protecting freedom of opinion and expression, promoting the free flow of news and information, and improving the practices of journalism.

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