The United States Consulate in Nigeria has said it will train 100 political reporters and editors; ahead of the 2019 general election.
US Consular General, John Bray, made the announcement at the 2018 World Press Freedom Day organised by the US Mission in Nigeria, in Lagos, yesterday.
The programme had the theme: “Keeping power in check:Media, justice and the rule of law. ”
According to Bray, the training will take place in four cities across southern Nigeria and will be co-facilitated by Voice of America’s Director of International Media Training and a renowned Nigerian journalism professor.
Bray said this support was designed to help the media further appreciate their huge responsibility of reporting accurately on elections and the electoral processes.
The envoy also said the US values freedom of the press as a key democratic component, and that Nigeria has a vibrant democracy.
He said the recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to President Donald Trump, in the US highlighted the crucial role of Nigeria in the socio-economic and political stability of sub-Saharan Africa.
“Peaceful and credible elections are essential to Nigeria’s continued economic, political, and social development so, I am interested in your discussion on media and the transparence of the 2019 election.
“Nigeria plays a vital role on the world stage and, as the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria’s stability is crucial to the security and economic prosperity of the rest of the continent. Nigeria’s future is full of promise and opportunity.
“The US government is dedicated to supporting Nigerians in ensuring that the 2019 elections will be transparent, credible, and peaceful, “Bray said.
Also, Dr. Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, said elections in Nigeria are devoid of transparency and accountability.
He said the 2019 elections are very crucial and it is imperative for the country to get it right, stressing that the media had a pivotal role to play in this regard.
Odinkalu recommended compulsory insurance scheme for all journalists covering elections and urged them to focus on data-based reporting in election coverage.
He also urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to have better access to collation centres.
On his part, Chairman, NUJ, Lagos Council, Dr. Qazim Akinreti, decried the lack of welfare packages for journalists in the country.
“Nobody cares about the welfare of journalists; not the state or employers. Imagine a situation where a journalist has not been paid for 20 months and you want that journalist to cover an election in a free and fair manner,” said Dr. Akinreti.
Earlier, Public Affairs Officer, US Mission Nigeria, Mrs Darcy Zotter, said World Press Freedom Day is commemorated annually, on May 3, to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom.
It is also to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who died in active duty.