CAPPA organizes round table for reporters in Borno as the polity counts down to 2027 election year

By: Bodunrin Kayode

As part of its commitment to promoting citizen participation and non-violent engagements before, during, and post-election era, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) recently organised a two-day capacity-building training for media practitioners in Borno State.

The training organized with the support of the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU EDGN), attracted the cream of reporters in Borno state with the aim of refreshing their skills at promoting peace during elections through conflict-sensitive reporting.

Speakers during the two days session included media and civil society activists which exposed media practitioners to elements of media coverage, inclusive reporting and fact-checking of the electoral processes in Nigeria.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, while welcoming participants, noted that the media as a critical stakeholder has a crucial role to play in fostering peace during the pre-and post-election periods.

Oluwafemi, represented by the Policy and Research Manager of CAPPA, Zikora Ibeh, harped on the need to promote non-biased reporting even as political reporters becoming conversant with the nation’s electoral process.

Speaking on the topic “Expanding Nigeria’s Democracy and Civic Space: The Media as Drivers for Sustainable Democracy,” Olufemi maintained that journalists can effectively use their pen to shape the country’s economic situation and hold the government accountable to the people.

He acknowledged the historical role and contribution of the media towards Nigeria’s independence and entrenchment of the present democracy, adding that journalists remain critical stakeholders of the country’s electoral process.

In his paper on “The Media’s Role as Society’s Watchdog” Robert Egbe, Media and Communications Officer at CAPPA noted that the media plays a vital role in ensuring good governance and accountability in Nigeria.

“However, it faces numerous challenges that threaten its ability to fulfil this role effectively. To strengthen its watchdog role, the media must adhere to professional standards, and find innovative ways to overcome economic constraints which will strengthen it to better resist government interference.

“By upholding its watchdog role, the media can contribute significantly to building a more just, equitable, and democratic Nigeria,” Egbe added.

Project Assistant, EU-SDGN II initiative at CAPPA, Chidinma Eferebo, whose presentation was delivered by Abayomi Sarumi, Senior Programme & Digital Campaign Manager, CAPPA, identified the goals of the training, including “to examine challenges facing journalists in reporting elections and electioneering processes in Nigeria and to build the capacities of journalists in non-biased reporting and promotion of peaceful and nonviolent electoral processes.

Shade Oyelade, Policy and Legal Drafting Officer, CAPPA stressed journalists understanding of the laws governing their profession and election reportage through her presentation titled: ‘The Electoral Law and Provisions for the Media’.

She noted that “Understanding and adhering to electoral laws and media provisions is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

“These laws, regulations, codes, and guidelines ensure that voters receive accurate and unbiased information, contribute to fair and competitive elections, and uphold the tenets of the democratic process.

“The media as an essential fulcrum of the electoral process plays a strategic role in ensuring this is attainable.”

Abayomi Sarumi, Programme & Digital Campaign Manager, CAPPA, in his contribution titled “Fact-checking and the digital media trends”, emphasised, among others, the need for journalists to confirm information before publishing.

He introduced participants to media resources that can enhance their reportage, including Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye.com for images and RevEye.com or InVid for videos.

An engaging session on “Conflict Sensitive Journalism: Election and Post-Election Roles of the Media” was presented by Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC), represented by Gbenga Akingbule, correspondent of the Wall Street Journal.

Arogundade stressed on the need to acquire several skills, including how to carry out conflict analysis and mapping in the context of elections, know how to de-escalate electoral conflicts and provide peace messages, how to respect the sensibilities of others, especially vulnerable groups during elections and how to play a desired role in the management of electoral conflicts.

Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher, BO News Service in her paper titled ‘Inclusive Reporting: Understanding Elections and Disability Act’, highlighted the provisions of the Disability Act and how journalists need to shape their reports to enhance the smooth participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the electoral process.

Oladunjoye, who stressed the importance of using the right language in reporting disability issues during elections, charged journalists to ensure a positive portrayal of PWDs in media reports.

In her remarks, she maintained that “Inclusive election reporting is crucial for a fair and democratic process. Journalists should play a key role in ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups; women, youths and PWDs are heard and respected.

“Journalists should also commit to inclusive practices in election reporting and supporting initiatives that promote the rights of marginalized groups in the electoral process, bearing in mind that elections are not limited to the polls.”. She posited.

In her interactive presentation titled: “Post-Session Reactions & Commitment Building” CAPPA’s Policy and Research Manager, Zikora Ibeh commended the media for their efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

She charged journalists not to be daunted by challenges in carrying out their duties but to continue in their agenda setting roles which is very important for the progress of our hard earned democracy.

CAPPA organizes round table for reporters in Borno as the polity counts down to 2027 election year

Odumegwu-Ojukwu Asks Nigerians to Celebrate National Positive Values

By: Michael Mike

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has urged Nigerians to focus on building the country by celebrating national positive values and supporting the government.

She explained that celebrating Nigeria’s positives would do the country more good than focusing on negatives and shortcomings.

The minister made the call in Lagos on Saturday night at the prestigious The Sun Awards, which she co-chaired with the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

The Minister while stating The Sun Awards has shown that there is much to celebrate about Nigeria’s unity, noted that the Awards usually brought Nigerians from all walks of life together in unity and oneness irrespective of ethnic and religious divides.

According to her, “this is what Nigerians should always celebrate.”

Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu while congratulating the Management of The Sun Publishing Limited for sustaining the award over the years, said the “organisation has been able to promote excellence and invariably encouraged a group of people that have made Nigeria proud in their own little ways.”

She said: “On that note, I urge everyone of us to always look inwardly like the organisers of this event, to identify and flaunt the best of Nigeria instead of always finding faults and showcasing our not too good sides. By so doing, we shall all be good ambassadors of Nigeria and help in projecting the country positively.”

She added that: “Today, history is being made in this hall where Nigerians and non-Nigerians are gathered to celebrate the best our country can offer.

“In this gathering, ethnic and religious differences and other mundane considerations that divide us are put aside.

“Instead, people are happy, throwing banters and identifying with their friends and associates who would be honoured at this auspicious occasion of The Sun Awards.

“This flagship event put together by one of Nigeria’s leading news media has for over two decades provided this platform of unity, cohesion and camaraderie for Nigerians.

“So, the Management and Staff of The Sun Publishing Limited deserve all the accolades for sustaining this event these past years where hard work, industry, innovativeness, creativity, patriotism, service and everything good about our country, Nigeria is celebrated.

“With this prestigious awards which I am meant to understand that the recipients are usually selected through very rigorous selection process, The Sun media organisation has been able to celebrate and promote excellence and invariably encouraged a group of people that have made Nigeria proud in their own little ways.

“That stated, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, may I invite you to join me in congratulating The Sun Publishing Limited, for sustaining this enviable feat.

“In the same manner, also join me to congratulate the 36 awardees in this year’s edition. We are really proud of them, and that is why we are all gathered in solidarity with them.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu Asks Nigerians to Celebrate National Positive Values

Tuggar: Tinubu Committed to Nigeria’s Food Security, Safeguarding Land Rights

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has assured of federal government’s commitment to safeguarding land rights while boosting agricultural productivity.

He gave this assurance on Sunday to farmers and pastoralists in Udobo, Gamawa local government area of Bauchi State, during a community engagement in the historic agrarian town.

He outlined President Bola Tinubu’s plans to combat food insecurity through rural empowerment, science-driven farming, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The minister who lamented that though Udubo was a hub of Nigeria’s agricultural output between 1960s–70s but the story has changed because the community had been largely neglected by the state government for decades as floods and climate change continue to impact lives and harvest, however stating that thanks to the urgent support from the federal government the situation has started improving.

Tuggar praised the community’s enduring potential, stating that: “This land fed nations. We aim to revive that legacy without displacing those who till it.”

Tuggar detailed President Tinubu’s strategy for Udobo and similar communities by promising to protect the farmers’ lands.

He pledged that: “No one will lose their land. Grow what you eat first; we’ll help you sell the surplus.”

The Minister also added that with support from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), the federal government will optimize water access via Udobo’s fadama wetlands and introduce climate-smart tools that help optimize agricultural output and further impact the lives of the community.

The Minister also revealed the various measures he took as the Minister of Foreign Affairs to assist the victims of last year’s flood that devastated a lot of communities in the local government which included the Udubo community.

Following devastating floods, ECOWAS—secured through Tuggar’s diplomatic efforts—and federal agencies will fund resilient infrastructure.

Hajiya Aisha, one of the beneficiaries of the support thanked Ambassador Tuggar for not abandoning them. She said the community has been neglected by the state for decades without any tangible measure to help them fight climate change that worsen flooding.

“We are very grateful to Tuggar for his support to our community. I am sure the fertilizers he gave us will help a lot of farmers during the upcoming raining season,” she said.

Youth leader Musa Adamu Udubo urged the minister to curb urban migration by increasing support for farmers.

“Empowerment must reach young farmers to curb urban migration. We are grateful to the minister for his diplomatic efforts to bring a sustainable development to our community. He has fulfilled his promise to support us and we will not forget this massive support.”

Ambassador Tuggar relayed President Tinubu’s vow to cushion the impact of economic reforms. “Pain is temporary; progress is permanent. Microcredit schemes and subsidized machinery will soon follow,” he said.

“Food security is national security. Udobo’s revival symbolizes our resolve: a Nigeria where no farmer fears progress,” Tuggar said.

Tuggar: Tinubu Committed to Nigeria’s Food Security, Safeguarding Land Rights