BY OLUWATOSIN IGHOTEGUONO
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 the discharge of their duties.
This forms part of the submission of a Professor of Mass Communication, at University of Ilorin, Unilorin, Kwara state,
Saudat Baki, while speaking at the last quarter of 2022 of the NEC Meeting of the Nigeria Association Of Women Journalists, NAWOJ with the theme “The Electoral Process: Safety and responsibilities of Journalists”.
Prof. Baki said that Journalists were at the center of everything and as such, balanced reports must be relayed to the citizens at all times.
She tasked government and other stakeholders to prioritize training of Journalists on safety measures in the interest of the nation.
Prof. Baki lauded the Kwara state governor Alhaji Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq for including women in the affairs of governance of the state.
Kwara state governor represented by the Commissioner for Communication Mr OlabodeTowoju who said the plight of women were being prioritised by his administration urged Journalists to shun sensationalism and propaganda in the build up to the 2023 elections and beyond.
The Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, INEC, Mallam Adamu Musa in his goodwill message gave an assurance that the Commission would provide a level playing field for all contestants and appealed for proper education of the populace on voting procedure.
The President of NAWOJ, Mrs Ladi Bala said choosing the topic for discussion became necessary as the 2023 election was on the way and considering all the crucial roles which must be played by Journalists during the poll.
Earlier, 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 ensuring the smooth running of its activities
Participants at the event include representatives of State Chapters of NAWOJ from across the federation, representatives of female associations, law enforcement agencies and civil society groups.
