CEMESO and IPC Urge Journalists to Uphold Social Responsibility

Ahead of the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections, the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) and the International Press Centre (IPC) have called on journalists to prioritize social responsibility in their reporting. This call was made during a recent event where key figures from both organizations emphasized the importance of ethical journalism.

Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, and Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, highlighted the critical role journalists play in shaping public opinion and ensuring fair and balanced coverage of electoral processes. They stressed the need for adherence to the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage, which outlines guidelines for equitable representation, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Arogundade underscored the importance of journalists maintaining neutrality and avoiding misinformation and disinformation, especially during election periods. He noted that CEMESO and IPC are committed to improving the professionalism of media practitioners through continuous training and support.

The event also featured goodwill messages from Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and Adesuwa Ehimuan, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists. Both leaders acknowledged the challenges faced by the media and praised the initiative as timely and necessary.

As the Edo State gubernatorial elections approach, this call to action serves as a reminder of the pivotal role of the media in fostering a transparent and democratic electoral process.