By Olatidoye Akeem
In furtherance of its bid to encourage and promote effective coverage and reportage of issues and activities relating to democratic elections, women in politics and public affairs, People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) and the youthful segment of the nation’s population, the International Press Centre (IPC, Lagos-Nigeria) has offered to enhance collaborations with The Herald Newspapers.
This partnership, backed by notable agencies, including the European Union (EU), seeks to enhance the media organization’s capacity to produce high-quality contents that will highlight the participation, impacts and challenges of women in politics as well as the other highlighted areas.
Speaking during a visit to The Herald’s corporate headquarters in Ilorin, Kwara State capital on Friday, IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, who was with Sanmi Falobi (Project Manager, IPC) commended the newspaper’s significant contributions to Nigerian journalism.
He noted that it is a glowing record that The Herald has produced some of Nigeria’s most renowned journalists, editors and media managers in addition to the organization’s commitment to the promotion of quality reporting.
Arogundade expressed delight over the opportunity to partner with The Herald, citing the organization’s rich history and experience in journalism.
According to him, IPC’s direct interface with The Herald forms part of the “initiatives of Component 4b: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II programme which IPC is co-implementing with the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).”
He also informed that similar interface sessions were held in Kano and Ibadan media hubs to aid the improvement of capacity to undertake impactful reporting of issues of development, elections and democratic governance.
“Our attention is now focused on Kwara State because of the vast opportunities and activities taking place here, particularly in relation to our programs. Kwara State has been celebrated for its engagement of women in politics and appointments, and we commend Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for running a female-inclusive administration.”
The IPC boss emphasized the importance of highlighting women’s contributions in politics to encourage more female participation, “Stories of women facing turbulent periods should not only be published, but the contributions of women, particularly political office holders, should also be showcased to inspire more women to join politics,” he said.
Arogundade also highlighted IPC’s past initiatives, including training journalists on election reporting, fact-checking, and investigative journalism. He promised to support The Herald in areas such as digital journalism, fact-checking, and other capacity-building programs that would enhance the organization’s reporting capabilities, adding that there are plans to extend the organization’s partnership to reputable stakeholders in the media profession.
He explained that IPC’s activities are structured around six key components, including promoting credible reporting on People With Disabilities (PWDs) and enhancing election coverage.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to a code of conduct for journalists to prevent misinformation and hate speech, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged journalists and media organizations to strictly follow the election code, highlighting the EU’s goal of ensuring credible elections in Nigeria. He also advocated for greater coverage of women in politics to inspire more female participation.
Arogundade suggested that The Herald Newspapers should consider publishing some of its crucial contents in local languages to reach a broader audience.
He also presented copies of some books and souvenir to the General Manager with a further promise to assist in the take-off of The Herald library.
In his welcome address, The Herald’s General Manager, Yomi Adeboye, thanked IPC for considering The Herald for this partnership. He requested support in digital journalism and fact-checking to combat fake news and enhance the organization’s reporting standards.
“Since I assumed office, we have undertaken significant repositioning efforts to improve our reporting capabilities and we are grateful to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for giving us the freedom to operate and report without restrictions.”
Adeboye also highlighted The Herald’s expansion to ensure adequate coverage of the local government areas in Kwara State and assured that there will be improved and expanded coverage of women in politics and public affairs to further promote the achievements of women in politics and solidify The Herald’s commitment to quality reporting.
This partnership between IPC and The Herald Newspapers is expected to have a significant impact on the media landscape in Kwara State and beyond, promoting more effective reporting on women in politics, elections and PWDs.
Adeboye, requested IPC’s support in capacity building, particularly in fact-checking and digital library development and establishing links with other organizations that could benefit The Herald Newspapers.
Adeboye expressed appreciation for IPC’s visit and emphasized his organization’s commitment to quality reporting, saying the meeting underscored the commitment of both IPC and The Herald Newspapers to promoting quality journalism and supporting the development of the media industry in Nigeria.
