Journalists Asked To Promote Campaign Against Election Violence

A two-day training workshop for journalists on coverage of electoral and broader democratic governance issues has ended in Benin with a
call on journalists to join in the campaign against election violence.

The workshop, organized by the Institute for Media and Society, IMS, attracted broadcast journalists from South-South, South-East and
South-West of the country.

In his opening speech, the Executive Director, IMS, Dr. Akin Akingbulu said the training was aimed at strengthening the knowledge of
journalists on issues of political accountability, inclusion and
participation in the Democratic process.

Dr. Akingbulu who earlier spoke through the Program Manager, Mr. Sunday Dada said they also targeted to build the capacity of
journalists on mechanisms of cooperation among broadcast journalists on coverage of electoral issues.

In a paper presentation, a resource person, Mr. Adebayo Bodunrin advised media organizations to always draw election coverage plan that will accommodate pre-election, Election Day and post election early
enough for proper inclusivity, participation, accountability and collaboration.

Another resource person, Mr. Umar Tudunwada who said that journalists
should be socially responsible people, urged them to avoid being used by politicians to settle their political conflicts.