By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with the Correspondents’ Chapel, on Monday, trained journalists and social media practitioners on professional election coverage ahead of future electoral activities.
The one-day training, held 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, said professionalism in election reporting was critical to peaceful and credible democratic processes.
Bego, represented by the Director of Information in the ministry, Alhaji Ali Musa Yawale, said the media played a strategic role 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.
He described the training as timely, noting that fake news, disinformation and sensational reporting continued 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 noted.
Bego said the administration of Gov. Mai Mala Buni remained committed to promoting responsible journalism and democratic consolidation in the state.
He urged participants to maximise the opportunity by engaging actively and applying the knowledge acquired in future assignments.
The commissioner also commended the facilitators for contributing their expertise towards improving the quality of election reporting 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 forthcoming electioneering activities.
Muhammed 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.
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 challenges confronting journalists during elections, including political pressure, propaganda, religious and ethnic sensitivities, and personal safety concerns.
Similarly, Mr. Rabi’u Umar delivered a presentation on investigative journalism and fact-checking during elections.
Also, Dr. Musa Usman presented a paper on safety during election coverage.
