As part of a strategic initiative to promote peaceful elections and inclusive reporting, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has organized a two-day capacity-building program for journalists in Borno State.
With support from the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), the training aimed to equip media practitioners with the skills and tools to foster non-violent and inclusive engagement during Nigeria’s electoral processes.
Participants were equipped with relevant skills pertaining to inclusive reporting, fact-checking as well as elements of media coverage.
Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher of BO News Service, delivered a standout session emphasizing the critical role of inclusive reporting in elections in her presentation, titled “Inclusive Reporting: Understanding Elections and the Disability Act.”

The BO News lead highlighted the need for journalists to prioritize the participation of marginalized groups, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Oladunjoye stressed the importance of the Disability Act in Nigeria’s electoral process, urging journalists to frame their narratives in ways that ensure equal representation.
“Inclusive election reporting is crucial for a fair and democratic process. Journalists should play a key role in ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups—women, youth, and PWDs—are heard and respected,” she said.
She also charged the journalists to “commit to inclusive practices in election reporting and supporting initiatives that promote the rights of marginalized groups in the electoral process, bearing in mind that elections are not limited to the polls.”
She further called on journalists to adopt the right language when reporting on disability issues, stressing that accurate and positive portrayals of PWDs can break down stereotypes and foster greater inclusion in electoral activities.
“Commit to inclusive practices in election reporting and support initiatives that promote the rights of marginalized groups, bearing in mind that elections extend beyond the polling process,” Oladunjoye added.
Earlier, Akinbode Oluwafemi, the Executive Director of CAPPA, in a message delivered by Zikora Ibeh, CAPPA’s Policy and Research Manager, highlighted the need for unbiased and factual reporting.
He noted that the media – as a critical stakeholder – has a crucial role to play in fostering peace during the pre-and post-election periods.
His presentation, “Expanding Nigeria’s Democracy and Civic Space: The Media as Drivers for Sustainable Democracy” stressed the media’s critical role in shaping public discourse and holding government accountable.
Robert Egbe, CAPPA’s Media and Communications Officer, noted that the media’s watchdog role is essential in ensuring good governance but is often constrained by economic and political challenges.
“However, it faces numerous challenges that threaten its ability to fulfil this role effectively. To strengthen its watchdog role, the media must adhere to professional standards, and find innovative ways to overcome economic constraints which will strengthen it to better resist government interference.
“By upholding its watchdog role, the media can contribute significantly to building a more just, equitable, and democratic Nigeria,” Egbe added.
Project Assistant, EU-SDGN II initiative at CAPPA, Chidinma Eferebo, whose presentation was delivered by Abayomi Sarumi, Senior Programme & Digital Campaign Manager, CAPPA, identified the goals of the training, including “to examine challenges facing journalists in reporting elections and electioneering processes in Nigeria and to build the capacities of journalists in non-biased reporting and promotion of peaceful and nonviolent electoral processes.
Shade Oyelade, Policy and Legal Drafting Officer, CAPPA reinforced journalists understanding of the laws governing their work and election reportage through her presentation titled: ‘The Electoral Law and Provisions for the Media’.

“Understanding and adhering to electoral laws and media provisions is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. These laws, regulations, codes, and guidelines ensure that voters receive accurate and unbiased information, contribute to fair and competitive elections, and uphold the tenets of the democratic process.
“The media as an essential fulcrum of the electoral process plays a strategic role in ensuring this is attainable,” Oyelade added.
Abayomi Sarumi, Programme & Digital Campaign Manager, CAPPA, in his session titled “Fact-checking and the digital media trends”, emphasised, among others, the need for journalists to confirm information before publishing.
He introduced participants to media resources that can enhance their reportage, including Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye.com for images and RevEye.com or InVid for videos.
An engaging session on “Conflict Sensitive Journalism: Election and Post-Election Roles of the Media” was presented by Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC), who was represented by Gbenga Akingbule, Nigeria correspondent of the Wall Street Journal.
Arogundade sensitised journalists on, among others, the need to acquire several skills, including how to carry out conflict analysis and mapping in the context of elections, know how to de-escalate electoral conflicts and provide peace messages, how to respect the sensibilities of others, especially vulnerable groups during elections and how to play a desired role in the management of electoral conflicts.
The training concluded with a session on “Post-Session Reactions & Commitment Building” led by Zikora Ibeh, who lauded the media for their pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
She charged the journalists to persist in their duties despite challenges, reminding them of their responsibility as defenders of democracy