By Chigozie Chukwuleta
A capacity building program, ‘sharing on good practices and trends on inclusive coverage of the electoral process’ kicked off on Monday in Abuja.
The program held at the continental Hall of Reiz Continental Hotel is organized by the Institute for Media and Society and sponsored by EU SDGN to support democratic governance in Nigeria.
It also aims to contribute to reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria through building strong, effective and legitimate democratic institutions.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director, Institute for Media and Society, Dr Akin Akingbulu said that the activity based program will strengthen the focus of media and deepen responsibility in terms of inclusion.
According to Dr Akingbulu, participants are drawn from Media houses across Nigeria, scholars, media CSO initiatives and other relevant groups which focus on inclusive coverage of the electoral process.
He said that the activity will focus on strengthening media platforms for better coverage of inclusion in the electoral process.
“The sessions will identify contemporary gaps and trends, and address them through showcasing good practices which will strengthen participant’s capacity for improved inclusive coverage of women, youths and people with disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process”.
He thanked the European Union for standing to strengthening the Nigeria democracy and enjoined participants to participate well by cooperate with the facilitators to ensure optimal results.
Earlier, the program manager, IMS, Mr Timothy Bamidele explained that the expected outcomes of the objectives of the EU SDGN 11 include to improve the quality of electoral administration in Nigeria among others.
The five sessions of Day One were professionally handled by three facilitators, Prof Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of University of Lagos, Dr Whole Oladapo of University of Ibadan and Dr Ganiat Tijani-Adenle of Lagos state University.
Reporters, presenters, news Managers and producers shared practical personal experiences in inclusive coverage of electoral process.
The program continues Tuesday, 7th February, 2023.
