In a bid to ensure better election reporting during the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections, Media Support Center have trained members of the press intending to cover the exercises.
The three-day workshop, which was in partnership with CJID, was held in Osogbo, Osun State capital and came to an end this weekend.
Prints and online journalists selected from Ekiti and Osun State were present at the training with the theme, Election Process Reporting. They were urged to uphold professionalism and credibility while discharging their duties during the election period.
The resource persons in there different topics harped on the need for the newsmen to be fully prepared and be security conscious during campaign period to the time of election and after.
Shakirudeen Bankole, a communication and media expert , who spoke on “Leveraging on Social and Citizen Engagement” urged the journalists to make use of the opportunities on social media which can aid their reports in getting to billions of the users across the world.
He also enjoined them to be mindful of reports capable of igniting tension through social media.
Olukayode Thomas, a veteran journalist, In his own presentation “Understanding Political Campaigns and Campaign Financing emphasied the needs for the newsmen to be fully involved in political parties campaign.
Thomas who exposed the journalist to the newly approved campaign funds for all political offices said they should report their spendings in order for them to comply with the Independent National Electoral Commission Act.
Also, Mikhail Mumuni, who spoke on Safety mechanisms tips for election reporting, and sensitivity in interview situations enjoined the newsmen to be mindful of interviews that can put their lives in danger.
Attendees were also taken through processes of fact-checking as it related to the election process. They all appreciated MSC for the workshop.
