Ahead 2023, NAWOJ discusses safety, responsibilities of women journalists

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

With the 2023 general elections fast approaching, women journalists, under the aegis of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) converged in Ilorin, Kwara State recently to discuss the safety and responsibilities of journalists before, during and after the election.   

It was during a seminar, organized by the National Executive Council (NEC) of NAWOJ for women journalists with the theme: “The Electoral Process; Safety and Responsibilities of Journalists.”

The historic NAWOJ meeting was first held in the State of Harmony after twenty years of hosting Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting in the thirty-two-year history of the association’s existence.

The meeting, which held between 19th and 21st of October 2022, had in attendance women media professionals from federal, state and private outfits.

Addressing her members, the host and National President of NAWOJ, Ladi Bala urged journalists particularly, women to maintain neutrality in the discharge of their duties as the 2023 general election approaches.

She said it is a clarion call on media organisations to see it as their role to create a credible democratic process.

“Journalists are critical stakeholders. Women need to understand their role in electoral process and play our part.

“We often step on toes in the discharge of our duties and there are resultant clashes and our security is at stake

“Maintain neutrality in the discharge of your duties, never bring your opinion into your work,” she admonished.

The president advised journalists to beware of overzealousness in the discharge of their duties.

She urged journalists to adhere to the ethics of the profession, adding “we must be alive to tell stories.”

She said the choice of Kwara as a meeting point was because the state is one of the most peaceful in the country.

Bala commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a great leader who is working to improve the media houses and the NUJ in the state.

The keynote speaker and state chairperson, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations ((NIPR), Dr. Mrs. Saudah Abdulbaqi, charged journalists on accuracy, inclusiveness and balanced reporting before, during and after the electioneering period.

The Associate Professor from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, said that journalists were the centre of everything that happens during elections and are exposed to so many things.

She tasked journalists on enlightening the world that voting is a civic right, adding that the use of uncivil languages and behaviours should be discouraged in the profession.

She said to reduce risks while covering elections, journalists must study and understand the election safety manual and familiarise themselves with the locals and environments.

“Be knowledgeable about the discourse of interviews, ensure that guests do not use hate speeches, negative campaign words.

“Guide against attack on minorities, be conscious of gender, culture and avoid stereotypes.

“Do not go to conflict heated areas alone, go in company of security personnel to avoid being harassed,” she said.

She, however, urged journalists to serve the citizens in order to promote peace and tranquility.

Also in his presentation, Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mallam Attahiru Madami emphasized that eligible voters should not only register but obtain their voter cards, adding that the votes of the electorate would count.

The REC, who was represented by Head, Voter Registration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Adamu Musa, appreciated the media for always supporting the commission’s activities.

He said that plans were underway to train journalists on election reporting, adding that journalists will be accredited for election coverage.

In his speech, Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRaheem AbdulRazaq urged journalists to abide by the ethics of their profession and be fair in their reporting.

AbdulRazaq, who was represented by Commissioner for Communications, Mr. Bode Towoju, said the state government is creating an enabling environment for journalism to thrive in the state.

Towoju appreciated the NUJ and NAWOJ in the state for the cooperation given to the government and for the dissemination of information about the activities of the state government.

In her remarks, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Mopelola Abdulmalik-Bashir advised journalists to use words wisely in order to avoid setting the nation and state on fire during elections.

“We must do everything and anything to protect the survival and sovereignty of our country,” Abdulmalik-Bashir said.

In her welcome address, state Chairperson of NAWOJ, Ayobola Ipinlaiye, appreciated everyone for coming, saying it was a privilege hosting the NEC meeting.

In his goodwill message, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara Council, Lanre Ahmed said that the theme of the event was apt and timely.

“I am glad women journalists have taken it upon themselves to enlighten the public on the need to have free, fair, credible and secure election,” he said.

Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Public Relations Officer, Olasunkanmi Ayeni and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Sector Commander represented by DCC Olawumi Oyeniyi gave goodwill messages at the event.

Other women professional associations that attended the event included; Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN) and Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT).

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