Media practitioners in Nigeria are warming up, gradually getting set for the 2026 and 2027 polls in compliance with the electoral law which stipulates a periodic exercise as stated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as ammended).
To this end, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), a flagship support program designed to complement Nigerian government’s efforts to strengthen transparent democracy, is leaving no stone unturned in its mandate.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, the EU-SDGN brought together online media executives from Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States at the imposing Kakanfo Inn in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital where its partner, the International Press Centre (IPC), officials led by the Executive Director, Mr Lanre Arogundade was the pilot under a relaxed atmosphere that cut a perfect image of a serious classroom.
Present at the workshop were The Guardian, News Agency of Nigeria, Parrot Xtra, Newsspeak, Newscoven.com, Osun Defender, City Mirror, Reporter At Large, Salient Times, Treasure, TheTabloid.net, Oyo Insight, Arise, Daily News, and Insight Links News.
In his welcome address that chronicled previous efforts of the body and associated challenges, Arogundade told the attentive participants to open up on their on-the-field experiences in electoral matters to align with the motive of the sponsor.
He also implored his audience to uphold professionalism, fact-checking, civil responsibilities, use of the Freedom of Press Act and promoting women in politics including investing more attention into youth and physically challenged.
“We must continue to uphold professionalism, accuracy, and civil responsibility. There’s also the need to improve inclusivity in our reports—giving space to women, youth, and persons with disabilities as we move closer to the 2027 elections,” he said.
Arogundade continued, “Journalists must also embrace creativity and editorial writing as essential tools in their reporting. The fight against misinformation and disinformation is a collective responsibility for the media.”
Chairman of the South-West Guild of Online Publishers, (SWEGOP) Pastor Bisi Oladele, expressed the group’s readiness to partner with IPC.
“We are committed to training upcoming online publishers and aligning with EU-SDGN’s component 4 which focuses on both online and print media,” he noted.
Publisher of the Parrot Xtra, Ambassador Olayinka Agboola, called for continued training and workshops to upgrade the skills and quality of journalists across the country.
Also, Publisher, the Newscoven.com, Mr Dapo Falade said the workshop was an eye-opener that would spur media practitioners to seek to do more, in partnership with the two organisations.
He, however, expressed concerns about the attitude of women in positions of authority, beyond politics, noting most of them are not media-friendly.
“I have, on more than one occasion, experienced negativities from women in power in the quest to promote their activities. This is not limited to women occupying elective and appointed public offices,” he recalled.
The interactive workshop was rounded off with a photo session, exchanges of banters and a buffet.
Published on July 19, 2025
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