The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with the Correspondents' Chapel of the State's Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has organized a training session for journalists focusing on professionalism and election reporting ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
Training focuses on professionalism in election coverage
Declaring the one-day training session open on Friday in Damaturu, the Commissioner of Information, Abdullahi Bego, stated that the training would enhance professionalism among journalists in covering elections within the state and across Nigeria. He emphasized that professionalism in election reporting is critical to a peaceful and credible democratic process.
Bego, represented by the Director of Information in the Ministry, Alhaji Ali Musa Yawale, highlighted the strategic role the media plays during elections as a bridge between citizens, institutions, and democratic actors. “The role of journalists, including social media influencers, goes beyond merely reporting events; it includes safeguarding truth, promoting peace, countering misinformation and ensuring citizens are accurately informed,” he said.
Timely training to combat fake news
He described the training as timely, noting that fake news, disinformation, and sensational reporting continue to threaten public trust during elections. According to him, the training sessions on investigative journalism, fact-checking, ethical reporting, conflict sensitivity, and safety were designed to strengthen professional media practice. “At a time when fake news, disinformation, sensationalism and politically motivated narratives threaten public trust, journalists must remain guided by professionalism, objectivity, fairness and national interest,” he added.
Bego further stated that the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni remains committed to promoting responsible journalism and democratic consolidation in the state. He urged participants to maximize the opportunity by engaging actively and applying the knowledge acquired in future assignments. The Commissioner also commended the facilitators for contributing their expertise toward improving the quality of election reporting in the state.
NUJ chairman calls for extended training
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comfade Rajab Muhammed, described the workshop as timely and important ahead of forthcoming electioneering activities. He appealed to the Ministry of Information to extend similar training to other NUJ chapels in the state. He also urged participants, especially social media practitioners, to learn from experienced professionals and improve their reporting skills.
Presentations on ethical standards and investigative journalism
In a presentation on “Ethical and Professional Standards in Election Reporting,” Mr. Muhammad Auwal Umar highlighted voter education, fact-checking, and investigative reporting as key responsibilities of journalists during elections. He also identified issues-based reporting, electoral analysis, and reporting electoral irregularities among essential aspects of professional election coverage. Umar further outlined the challenges confronting journalists during elections, including political pressure, propaganda, religious and ethnic sensitivities, and personal safety concerns.
Similarly, Rabi'u Umar delivered a presentation on investigative journalism and fact-checking during elections.
