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  • IPC, NAWOJ partner to promote women issues in elections

    IPC, NAWOJ partner to promote women issues in elections

    To boost democratic participation and elevate the voices of women in Nigeria’s political discourse, the International Press Centre (IPC) and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) held a high-level consultative forums with key women media stakeholders, aimed at promoting gender-sensitive reporting and amplify women’s voices in the electoral process.

    Themed “Advancing Female Journalists’ Impactful Reporting on Women Issues in Election and Democracy,” the forum, which was held in Port Harcourt at the weekend, was supported by the European Union under the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II (EU-SDGN II) programme.

    IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to strengthening democracy and increasing women’s participation in politics. He announced plans to provide training and support to female journalists, enabling them to effectively cover women-related issues in elections and project Nigeria’s women politicians globally; the initiative’s objectives include: enhancing female journalists’ capacity to report on women’s issues in elections; increasing the visibility of women’s voices and perspectives in the electoral process; and fostering a culture of gender-sensitive reporting

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    Senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Titilayo Osuagwu, who gave the keynote address, highlighted the need for women’s recognition in politics and encouraged female journalists to promote women in their reports.

    NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, represented by Deputy National Chairperson Dr. Lilian Okonkwo Ogabu, appreciated IPC’s initiative and pledged collaboration on women’s empowerment and social responsibility issues. “By empowering female journalists, we can create a more inclusive and equitable democratic process,” Dr. Ogabu said.

    IPC) and NAWOJ reiterated their commitments to promoting democracy, human rights, and gender equality through various initiatives and programmes. The meeting was attended by NAWOJ officials, top women journalists from across the country, and IPC representatives.

  • European Union, IPC trains 40 Southwest journalists on Information Disorder

    European Union, IPC trains 40 Southwest journalists on Information Disorder

    No fewer than 40 journalists in southwest states have been trained by the International Press Centre (IPC) about information disorder and how to deploy tools to fact-check.

    The journalists were drawn from several media organisations in Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, and Ogun states to participate in a 2-day training tagged “Credible Elections and Democratic Governance: Capacity Building on Combatting Information Disorder” which was funded by the European Union(EU).

    In her welcome address, the IPC Programme Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, disclosed that the EU funded the programme and IPC implemented the training.

     She said:  ”We are confronted with the daunting challenge of combatting misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda in an era defined by the rapid dissemination of information.

     “This training therefore serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a more informed, vigilant, and resilient media landscape.”

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    The Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade explained that the training was to inculcate fact-checking of information.

    He said:  “This training is to ensure that journalists report elections and Electoral processes factually, and accurately and to ensure that we fact-check the necessary information. After elections, we need to hold our leaders accountable so we need to look at their campaign promises and assess their state of implementation, not just from the view of the government but the view of the people by verifying claims and facts.

    “We believe that by doing that we can help our people solve some of their problems, which is called solution-driven journalism. Our duty as a journalist is to ensure we keep leaders accountable for their promises.”

  • IPC mulls training of 1,000 fact-checkers before 2027 elections

    IPC mulls training of 1,000 fact-checkers before 2027 elections

    • Launches App to tackle fake news, disinformation

    A media capacity building organisation, the International Press Centre (IPC-Nigeria), has announced plans to recruit full-time fact-checkers and freelance journalists as well as training of 1,000 fact-checkers across 36 states of the country before the 2027 general elections.

    The Executive Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, made this known in Abuja at the unveiling of iVerify Nigeria Platform powered by the IPC in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    He stated that the iVerify project, which was supported by the government, is meant to strengthen the fight against misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and fake news, while also promoting information integrity around election, governance and democratic processes in Nigeria.

    He explained that the project was aimed at strengthening efforts against information disorder, particularly in the context of electoral and democratic processes.

    Arogundade noted that IPC has already started optimising the platform, stressing that the platform uses a tech-savvy fact-checking tool with a human element.

    He said fact-checkers are overseen by senior journalists to ensure adherence to professional standards.

    Arogundade stated: “The core objective is to establish a technology-driven platform, provide capacity building for journalists in fact-checking electoral information, promote media literacy, and engage in public enlightenment to combat information disorder. Collaboration is key to advocating for a credible environment in information dissemination,

    “There are plans to recruit full-time fact checkers, freelance journalists and training of 1,000 fact checkers across 36 states before the 2027 elections.”

    Also speaking, the Resident Representative of the UNDP, Mr. Lealem Dinku, said the iVerify Nigeria platform concept was conceived by the UNDP as a mechanism to promote information integrity around election, governance and democratic processes in Nigeria.

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    He said that the imperative of this project was to deepen democratic culture in Nigeria by converting the negative influence of the proliferation of information disorder in the nation’s polity, especially during electioneering period.

    Dinku noted that the advancement in technology and digital transformation in recent years is adding positive values to human development.

    He said nonetheless, the advantage of the technological progress was being degraded by the misuse of social media to create needless tension and sometimes violence in the society.

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represented by INEC Acting Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mary Nkem, urged Nigerians to halt the spread of fake news as it could incite violence.

  • IPC mulls training of 1,000 fact-checkers before 2027 elections

    IPC mulls training of 1,000 fact-checkers before 2027 elections

    A media capacity-building organisation, the International Press Centre (IPC -Nigeria), has announced plans to recruit full-time fact-checkers and freelance journalists as well as train 1,000 fact-checkers across 36 states of the country before the 2027 general elections.

    The Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, made this known in Abuja at the unveiling of the iVerify Nigeria Platform powered by the IPC in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    He stated that the iVerify project which was supported by the government is meant to strengthen the fight against misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and fake news, while also promoting information integrity around election, governance, and democratic processes in Nigeria

    He explained that the project was aimed at strengthening efforts against information disorder, particularly in the context of electoral and democratic processes.

    Arogundade noted that IPC has already started optimising the platform, stressing that the platform uses a tech-savvy fact-checking tool with a human element.

    He said fact-checkers are overseen by senior journalists to ensure adherence to professional standards.

    Arogundade stated: “The core objective is to establish a technology-driven platform, provide capacity building for journalists in fact-checking electoral information, promote media literacy, and engage in public enlightenment to combat information disorder. Collaboration is key to advocating for a credible environment in information dissemination,

    “There are plans to recruit full-time fact checkers, freelance journalists, and training of 1,000 fact checkers across 36 states before the 2027 elections.”

    Also speaking, the Resident Representative of the UNDP, Mr. Lealem Dinku, said the iVerify Nigeria platform concept was conceived by the UNDP as a mechanism to promote information integrity around the election, governance, and democratic processes in Nigeria.

    He said that the imperative of this project was to deepen democratic culture in Nigeria by converting the negative influence of the proliferation of information disorder in the nation’s polity, especially during the electioneering period.

    Dinku noted that the advancement in technology and digital transformation in recent years is adding positive value to human development.

    He said nonetheless, the advantage of the technological progress was being degraded by the misuse of social media to create needless tension and sometimes violence in the society.

    Read Also: Guber poll: IPC, UNDP train Bayelsa reporters on fact-checking, fake news

    Dinku added: “Social media is often awash with disinformation, misinformation and hate speech which hampers citizen’s ability to make an informed decision about events that affect their life and well-being.

    “The government is grappling with the myriad implications of the misuse of social and to curb its menace as an effort to lessen the misuse of social media has been resisted by stakeholders including media practitioners.

    “The inability of the government to deal decisively with the menace of information disorder occasioned by social media through legal framework is not limited to Nigeria alone: it is a global issue.

    “The spate of information disorder must be checked this is what the iVerify Nigeria project sets out to achieve. We must all rally around it to ensure its success through moral, financial, and technical support.”

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urged Nigerians to halt the spread of fake news as it could incite violence.

    Yakubu, represented by INEC Acting Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mary Nkem, said hate speech could undermine democratic values, and core principles of democracy, such as respect for human rights, and create tension in the society.

  • IPC condemns newspaper’s closure

    THE International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has condemned the forceful closure of Daily Trust‘s head office in Abuja and the organisation’s Maiduguri office by military personnel yesterday.

    IPC Director IPC Lanre Arogundade said the centre “considers this development as a fresh threat to freedom of the press as well as the freedom and individual liberties of journalists and other media professionals working in Daily Trust“.

    Arogundade added: “The action of the military is also a threat to democracy with the presidential elections, less than two months away.

    “The military is bound by the laws of the land and cannot in any circumstance be allowed to resort to extra-judicial measures, no matter its grievances.”

  • 2019: IPC urges journalists to use election coverage’s code

    THE International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has urged journalists covering the electoral process to professionally report the campaigns within the context of the provisions of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage.

    The advice followed the official opening of campaigns for the 2019 general elections by political parties and candidates

    A statement by the IPC Director Mr. Lanre Arogundade IPC noted: “The Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage, Revised Edition 2018, which was endorsed by over a hundred media professional groups and associations; broadcast, print and online media outlets; media support/development groups; and journalism training institutions, provides detailed guidelines for the professional coverage and reporting of the elections.”

    Arogundade said the guidelines stipulate that journalists should give equitable access to parties and candidates, reflect the views of underrepresented groups like women, people living with disabilities and youths, and refrain from publishing or airing, stories, headlines, images and adverts that constitute hate speech and could incite violence.

    The IPC Director also said reporters should strive to comply with other frameworks governing media coverage of elections such as the Electoral Act 2010 as amended and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

    Arogundade reminded the government, the political parties and INEC of their obligations under the Media Code of Election Coverage to facilitate the enabling environment for effective media coverage by proactively providing electoral information and ensuring the safety of journalists.

     

  • 2019: IPC trains journalists on election reporting

    Ahead of the 2019 general elections, no fewer than 25 political journalists have been trained on professional and digital reporting by the International Press Centre (IPC).

    The two-day workshop which held in Ogun state was organised by IPC in collaboration with European Union (EU).

    According to IPC, over 500 persons expressed interest to participate in the workshop but only 25 from different media organisations across the South-west of Nigeria were selected.

    Addressing participants on Wednesday, the Director, International Press centre Mr Lanre Arogundade described journalists as the heartbeat of the public.

    He however charged reporters to learn, unlearn and relearn so as to meet the utmost demands of journalism and ensuring desired change in the profession.

    Speaking during the training, Mr. Taiwo Obe, founder of journalism clinic urged participants on the importance of social media tools in news reporting.

    Obe, in a paper presentation titled Covering Political Space using Digital Tools and Apps, emphasised the need for reporters to think and rethink.

    “Your most important tool is your thinking” He said.

    He emphasised the development of creative stories and data ideas urging journalists to make their voices heard using various social media platforms.

    Journalists and former presidential aide on public affairs Mr Bolaji Adebiyi also urged reporters on in depth understanding of the legal frame work of the electoral processes.

    Adebiyi in his presentation titled” The dos and don’ts of election reporting” highlighted inadequate knowledge of the rule as one of the challenges of election coverage in Nigeria.

    Encouraging reporters to go back and study the constitution, he said ” journalists should be abreast and have deep knowledge of provisions of legal framework of the Electoral Processes especially the 1999 Constitution,

    Electoral Act 2010 as amended, INEC guidelines and constitutions of various political parties.”

    Adebiyi noted that political reporters could cause conflicts if they lack the necessary knowledge of the legal rules.

    A social and human capacity expert, Mr Jide Ojo said that the major role of the media as the watchdog of the society is to set agenda for the politicians.

    “The Media should set Agenda for the Contestants with a view to holding them accountable when elected into office” he said.

    Ojo challenged reporters to carry out their responsibilities ahead of the 2019 general elections adding that the media has so far not lived up to expectations.

    Speaking on integrating human index development into data, Ojo urged journalists to ask the right questions from political contestants.

    According to him, campaigns should be based on socio-economic issues such as “water, unemployment, electricity, tourism, agriculture, transportation”

    Participants however expressed joy to be part of the training as they all said they learnt a lot.

  • IPC to online journalists: be sensitive to conflict

    As the 2019 general elections approaches, online journalists and bloggers have been urged to exhibit high sense of professionalism in reporting the elections by providing accurate and reliable information to citizens.

    They were also advised to note that their negligence in applying ethical considerations to reports online can cause unnecessary violence or even deaths of people while the need to stick to ethical standards by making sure that contents are problem solving have been emphasized.

    These were the recommendations arrived at at a two days workshop for online journalists and bloggers on Conflict Sensitive Reporting by the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria in Abuja.

    The workshop which attracted 35 participants from the FCT, the North-East, North-Central, South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria was meant to build the capacity of the concerned online journalists/bloggers in using online media for fair, balanced, language sensitive and conflict sensitive reporting of the elections.

    The workshop focused on building the capacity of participants on professional and conflict sensitive reporting of the electoral processes as well as mitigating hate speech in an online environment.

    It was observed at the workshop that embellished news reports with tribal, ethnic or religious undertones are often the purveyor of conflicts in Nigeria while concerns were expressed about the use of social media and online mediums for the dissemination of fake news and hate speeches.

    In his address, the Director of the International Press Center, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said the training was deemed necessary because the online environment has come to occupy a central place in media operations adding that online media now offers a very broad spectrum of information and dissemination as well as access to the media by millions of Internet users.

    He said that the training will help participants to understand and imbibe the principles of fairness, diversity and objectivity in reporting the electoral process and the elections which is most needed especially regarding the growing perception that online media and social media platforms are the major harbingers of hate speech and stokers of inciting flames

    Arogundade who was represented by IPC Program Manager, Stella Nwofia explained that violent conflict could occur during elections if online journalism practitioners and bloggers refuse to embrace conflict sensitive principles stressing on the need for online journalists and bloggers to strive to do better in order to remove hate narratives from political communication as a way of making the electoral environment healthier.

    He appreciated the European Union whose support has made the training possible through its Component 4b: Support to the Media of the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project.

     

  • IPC worried over increase in hate speech, fake news

    The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos has expressed worry on the increase  in fake news, unprofessional reporting and hate speech in the social media space which may mar the smooth conduct of the 2019 general election if not checked.

    To nip the problem in the bud, the organisation recently organised a workshop Conflict Sensitive Reporting for online Journalists and bloggers across the country.

    With support from the European Union-Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project, the second part of the workshop held at the Grand Pela Hotels, Abuja for media practitioners from the North, South East and South South regions of the country.

    Speaking during the opening ceremony of the two-day training, the president of IPC Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the training became necessary because of some evidence that hate speech actually flourishes in the online environment.

    Arogundade who was represented by IPC Program Manager Stella Nwofia, pointed out that the online environment now occupies a very central place in media operations, as it now offers a converging point for all the traditional and conventional media.

    He noted that with the 2019 general elections approaching, it became necessary to remind participants on the rules of engagement with regards to elections reporting and conflicts therein.

    The Director drew the attention of the participants to section four (4) of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Report (revised edition 2018) where ‘Hate Speech’ was singled out as a menace in online reporting and elections conflicts.

    Arogundade said Nigeria has a large population of internet users, and as a result there is a rapid increase in the number of journalists offering to practise online to reach this ‘Internet or online population’.

    He however, noted that the activities of the practitioners should help checkmate the menace of hate speech and conflicts in the country.

    He said :“the online now covers Radio, Television and the Print – such that we now speak of media convergence. The online media now offers a broad spectrum of information and dissemination as well as access to the media by millions if not billions of Internet users be they as individuals or groups”.

    “With the large population of internet users in Nigeria, there is a rapid increase in the number of journalists offering to practise online to reach this ‘Internet or Online population’.

    “What all this means is that we simply cannot ignore what goes on Online in the name of journalism especially against the background of growing perception that online media and social media platforms are the major harbingers of hate speech and stokers of inciting flames.

    “it is feared that in the realm of politics, violent conflict during elections could occur if online journalism practitioners and bloggers refuse to embrace conflict sensitive principles.

    “The emerging consensus therefore is that online journalists and bloggers need to strive to do better so they could be part of efforts that seek to remove hate narratives from political communication as a way of making the electoral environment healthier.”

    He urged the participants to understand and imbibe the principles of fairness, diversity and objectivity in reporting the electoral process and the elections.

    “Our expectation is that the online media would be used as a platform for fair, balanced, language sensitive and conflict sensitive reporting of the elections”.

    He commended the European Union for its support that made the training possible through Component 4b: Support to the Media of the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project.

    “In the above regard, it is expected that this training will help participants to understand and imbibe the principles of fairness, diversity and objectivity in reporting the electoral process and the elections”.

    He said that the Centre expects the online media practitioners to use their platforms for fair, balanced report, language sensitive and conflict sensitive reporting of the elections.

    Leading a session on ‘Social Media & Elections: Giving Practical Effect to Conflict Sensitive Reporting Online’, the Editor-In-Chief, Premium Times, Abuja, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, advocated for fair and balanced news reporting by the practitioners.

    He also cautioned against hate speech and conflict-inducing headlines.

    “Therefore, the need to be cautious has risen, especially when we cast headlines; as conflict can be triggered by ambiguity in communication intended by the journalist involved.

    “Thus, when issues arise in the society, journalists can provide parties with the information that convoke wise decisions in managing and resolving conflicts. Always remember that your ‘business’ thrives only when Nigeria is peaceful,”

    He went further to enumerate how online journalists can make a difference in the profession.

    The Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, further urged the participants to “Be proactive and careful with translation (intended meaning or language) and to avoid  the use of offensive and graphic images or videos”

    In her presentation on ‘Understanding Conflict, its Nature and Character’, Dr. Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu of the Department of Information and Media Studies, Bayero University, Kano State, described conflicts as a natural and inevitable occurrence orchestrated by perceived threats while mutual respects is the antidote.

    She classified conflicts into seven; namely: intrapersonal, inter-personal, Intra-group, party factions, Inter-group, intra-society and international conflicts.

    On hate speech and fake news, she urged online media practitioners to be abreast of the cardinals of journalism to guide against escalating the scourge which is capable of causing breakdown of law and order in the entire country.

    She cautioned the practitioners from sourcing news from social media, especially without verifiable sources.

    According to the Facilitator, identified embellished news reports with tribal, ethnic and religious undertone are purveyors of conflicts in the Nigerian setting.

    Similarly, the Executive Director, CITAD, Kano, Dr. Y.Z. Ya’u, facilitated discussions on ‘Contemporary Conflicts in Nigeria and Possible Impact on Media Coverage of 2019 General Elections’, urging all stakeholders to work harmoniously towards conflict-minimised 2019 general elections.

    “Online journalists in particular must not fail to uphold peace through reporting, especially those that fuel conflicts like Boko Haram, Political-thugs, IPOB, etc.

    “You are required to be very careful about certain colourations which tend to depict individuals in the form of Hate Speech. For instance, some individuals are reported in the media as sympathisers of Boko Haram, IPOB, Militants, etc.

    “It is important to understand the root or what the conflict is all about before reporting to avoid inflammatory reportage.

    He however warned that the fear of fake News should not incapacitate journalists from carrying out their duties effectively.

    “The answer to it is investigative journalism as today fake organisations are issuing press releases to incite people against others”, the ED of CITAD, Kano, said.

  • IPC set to train online journalists/bloggers on conflict sensitive election reporting

    The International Press Centre, Lagos-Nigeria will next week train about 60 online journalists and bloggers from across the country on conflict sensitive reporting online.

    This is being done in view of the on-going electoral process and the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

    The workshops will take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State on September 18 and 19 and Abuja, FCT, on September 20 and 21.

    A statement by Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the training is part of the activities being implemented under Component 4b: Support to the media of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project.

    According to Arogundade the training will seek to enhance the capacity of the participants to use online media for the responsible reporting of elections by being language sensitive, conflict sensitive and checking hate speech in the online environment.

    To ensure the attainment of the objectives, the workshops will feature presentations by media scholars and seasoned journalists.

    At Abeokuta, Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie, Dean, College of Social and Management Sciences (COSOMAS), Caleb University, Imota-Nigeria will speak on ‘Understanding communication challenges in the age of conflict, hate speech and fake news’ and ‘Sticking to ethics and professionalism in online reporting’; Dr. Qasim Akinreti, Assistant News Editor, Voice of Nigeria (VON)/Chairman, Lagos Council of NUJ will speak on ‘Giving practical effect to conflict sensitive reporting online’ and ‘Social Media and Elections: Knowing and Dealing with the Challenges’ while Dr. Dan Jibo of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan will address ‘Understanding conflict, its nature and character’ and ‘Contemporary conflicts in Nigeria and possible impact on media and Coverage of 2019 elections: the pitfalls to avoid in Online Reporting’.

    In Abuja, Dr. Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu of the Department of Information and Media Studies, Bayero University Kano, will focus on ‘Understanding Conflict: Its Nature & Character’ and ‘Hate Speech & Fake News: Imperatives of Ethics & Professionalism in Online Reporting in Nigeria’, Dr. Y.Z Yau, Executive Director, CITAD will present on ‘Contemporary Conflicts in Nigeria and Possible Impact on Media Coverage of 2019 Elections’ and ‘Monitoring of Hate Speech Online: Observations, Lessons and Recommendations from Outcomes’ while  Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, Editor-In-Chief, Premium Times will take participants through ‘Social Media & Elections: Giving Practical Effect to Conflict Sensitive Reporting Online’ and ‘News gathering & Newsroom Gate keeping in Era of Hate Speech: Tips on Pitfalls to Avoid’.

    Discussions at the two workshops can be followed online using the media hashtag: #EU4DemocracyNG or @ipcng twitter, facebook and other social media channels.