The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with the Correspondents’ Chapel, has trained journalists and social media practitioners on professional and ethical election coverage ahead of future electoral activities.
The one-day workshop, held on Monday in Damaturu, had the theme: “Enhancing Professionalism in Election Coverage.”
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, stressed the importance of responsible journalism in ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
Represented by the Director of Information, Alhaji Ali Musa Yawale, Bego said journalists and social media practitioners play a critical role in promoting truth, countering misinformation and ensuring citizens are properly informed during elections.
He noted that fake news, sensational reporting and politically motivated narratives continued to threaten public trust, making professionalism and ethical conduct necessary in election reporting.
According to him, the training covered investigative journalism, fact-checking, ethical reporting, conflict-sensitive coverage and safety during elections.
Bego urged participants to uphold professionalism, fairness and objectivity in carrying out their duties, adding that the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni remained committed to promoting responsible journalism and democratic development in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, Rajab Ismail Muhammed, described the workshop as timely and important ahead of future electioneering activities.
He appealed to the Ministry of Information to extend similar training to other NUJ chapels across the state and advised social media practitioners to learn from experienced journalists.
During the presentations, Mr Muhammad Auwal Umar highlighted voter education, investigative journalism and fact-checking as key responsibilities of journalists during elections, while Mr Rabi’u Umar and Dr Musa Usman delivered papers on investigative reporting and safety during election coverage.