As part of it routine Interventions on deepening credible journalism and Democratic governance system in Nigeria and Africa, the Media Support Centre had the privilege of hosting Nigeria’s celebrated Media Scholars, veteran Journalists and some Political Scientists/Philosophers at a 2-day Townhall Meeting on Election Reporting and Safety held Friday/Saturday, February 17/18, 2023 in Lagos.
Dr. Tunde Akanni , a Communication Scholar and an Associate Professor with the Lagos State University (LASU). , Dr. Tony Okeregbe , a Media Philosopher and an Associate Professor with the University of Lagos , Dr Olayinka Oyegbile, an Author and Journalist, Mr. Wale Fatade , a Journalist and Media Trainer, and Alh. Mikail Adegoke Mumuni , a Media Mentor and publisher, were on hand to illuminate the minds of the participants.
Others were Dr. Emma Oladesu, the Group Political Editor, The Nation Newspaper, Mr. Muyiwa Adeyemi , Political Editor, Guardian Nigeria , Mr Wahab Bayo Adesina, Education Editor, Vanguard newspaper , Mr Mustapha Adekunle Ogunsakin , Founder and Publisher, Gavel International,
Mrs Joke Kujenya , the Executive-in-Charge, Media Mentors Leadership Academy, Mr Adegboyega Kehinde , Founder and Team Lead, Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, and Ennie Sophie Oluwa , Founder and Team Lead at Natineee Empowerment for Sustainable Impact Initiative , represented by Adibel Chidinma, were also in attendance.
Mr Oluwaseun Abolurin , the Spokesman for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , Lagos Command, was also in attendance, to share with the audience, the likely security scenarios during the polls.
Facilitators, in their separate presentations, admonished strict adherence to ethical journalism during the coverage of the elections. They also urged Election Observers to subject their work to the principle of objectivity.
There were also enough guidelines on safety and security during the exercise.
The audience were drawn from the Media, Civil Society Organisations, and the Security Agencies.
The Director of Media Support Centre, Mr. Kayode Mufutau Ogunbunmi , said “the intervention, which is being supported by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development , became necessary because of the increased security threats and tendencies of violence during the polls,”
The event was moderated by Shakirudeen Bankole , the Project Manager for Media Support Centre.