In preparation for the upcoming November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, the EU-SDGN (European Union Support to Democratic Governance) Programme, organized a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing digital literacy among senior electoral officials. This workshop brought together 12 senior officials from Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Heritage Continental Hotel in Akure, Ondo State. The workshop, titled “Digital Literacy and Communication in Elections,” was designed to equip INEC officials with essential skills in fact-checking, media monitoring, managing electoral crises, and empathetic communication. This initiative is part of the EU-SDGN Programme’s support to INEC.
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, in her opening remarks highlighted the critical role of effective communication in ensuring a transparent and trustworthy electoral process. She commended the EU-SDGN for organizing the training on short notice, emphasizing its timely importance.
Mrs. Babalola stressed the importance of maintaining public trust through clear and empathetic communication. “As election administrators, we are not just conveyors of information; we are builders of trust,” she said. She underscored the necessity of addressing the diverse concerns of voters to foster an inclusive electoral environment.
The REC, represented by Ogundele Kehinde, Head of Department for Finance and Accounting at INEC Ondo State, urged participants to engage actively in discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions. “Each of you bring valuable insights to this workshop, and I encourage you to contribute actively,” she encouraged.
The workshop featured seasoned facilitators, including Mr. Oliver Kalu Amah from Media Insight and Mr. David Ajikobi, Nigeria Editor at Africa Check. They covered critical topics such as media message development, media monitoring tools, social listening, and social media engagement. Their expertise provided participants with comprehensive insights into effective digital literacy practices.
In her closing remarks, the REC extended her appreciation to the organisers, expressing confidence in the significant benefits for the attendees. She reiterated the impact of effective communication on public confidence in elections, emphasizing the need for professionalism and transparency. “Our practices must reflect the professionalism and transparency that citizens expect,” she concluded.
This workshop marks a significant step towards enhancing the digital literacy of INEC officials, ensuring they are well-prepared to manage the complexities of the upcoming election and promote a peaceful, inclusive electoral process.
