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Elections:Journalists Tasked On Conflict-Sensitive Reporting

Published

2 years ago

September 11, 2024

Experts from the media and civil society have tasked journalists to be careful in their coverage of the forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo states to prevent exacerbating tensions and conflicts.

They spoke yesterday at a Webinar titled: Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Election: Best Practices and Ethical Considerations.

It was organised by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) in collaboration with the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme.

Those who spoke included Deputy Chairman of the Joint Action Front and National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Achike Chude; Executive-in-Charge of Media Mentors Journalism Centre, Joke Kujenya; and CAPPA’s Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi.

In his presentation titled: Ethical Considerations and Best Practices for Journalists During Elections Reporting, Chude noted that journalists were responsible for reporting electoral matters with a view to properly informing the electorate.

He said elections determine the standard of living, security of life and property, and the responsibility and accountability of political office holders, and as such journalists must be focused while reporting elections, whether at national or sub-national levels.

“Issues of elections are critical to the development of any country. As such, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society groups and the media must forge a healthy synergy to ensure successful conduct and reportage of polls.

“Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some security agencies and the electoral body sometimes collude with unscrupulous politicians to undermine the electoral process. To that extent, journalists are usually caught up in the middle of electoral violence, but they (reporters) must ensure their safety first and be very knowledgeable about the laws that govern elections at any point in time,” Chude said.

Chude stressed that to report elections effectively, journalists must fully understand the mindset of political gladiators and their political affiliations; have knowledge of security guidelines regarding timing, as well as the movement of people and sensitive electoral materials to successfully navigate the terrain.

In her presentation on Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Elections with Focus on Governorship and Presidential Elections, Ms Kujenya identified the core principles of Conflict Sensitive Reporting (CSR) as accuracy, balance, avoiding stereotypes, minimizing harm and remaining consistent.

Kujenya maintained that conflict-sensitive reporting involves careful coverage of events, particularly elections, to prevent exacerbating tensions and conflicts, as well as ensures that journalism upholds ethical standards while contributing to peace and stability.

She charged reporters to be objective in their reports of the polls, as Edo remains one of the sensitive states in the South-South and the entire country.

Pointing out the importance of Conflict-Sensitive Reporting, she insisted that it reduces the risk of violence and escalation of conflicts; ensures balanced and fair coverage of all parties involved; helps in promoting peaceful discourse; protects journalists from becoming targets and builds public trust in media and the journalist as a core professional.

Referencing data, Kujenya observed that about 80 per cent of news items focused on non-programmatic issues such as election logistics, campaigns and political intrigues, stressing that journalists could have mitigated tensions by focusing on issues-based reporting, rather than amplifying inflammatory statements or perspectives.

“By highlighting policy debates, peaceful initiatives and solutions, journalists could avoid sensationalism capable of provoking violence,” she added.

Oluwafemi, who was represented by CAPPA’s Senior Programme Manager, Abayomi Sarumi, explained that the idea for the webinar was to equip journalists with vital knowledge that could help them professionally cover elections, especially the forthcoming ones in Edo and Ondo states.

He said: “We believe as an organisation that the media plays a key role in the direction that elections take. This webinar is done under the European Union Sustainable Development For Democratic Governance in Nigeria.

“We’ve had a series of engagements with journalists across the country from representative states in the six geopolitical zones.

“We’ve also had webinars covering different issues including the security of journalists, conflict sensitivity, and how to ensure that the democratic process becomes robust and expansive enough to allow for a sustainable transition across states and also at the national level.

“But for this conversation, we’re specifically looking at the ethics and other considerations that we should have as journalists to help the people of Edo state to make informed choices, and to ensure that the way we report elections does not trigger conflict.”

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.