The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) programme, on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, brought together top media professionals to reaffirm their collective resolve to ensure that elections are fairly, accurately, and inclusively reported.
Participants, drawn from across print, broadcast, and online platforms, used the event to brainstorm on their roles and responsibilities as agenda-setters. From tackling misinformation to ensuring that marginalized voices are heard, the dialogue showcased how vital the media is in building trust between the electorate and the democratic process.
Declaring the event open, the Executive Director of Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Dr Akin Akingbulu, emphasised the responsibility on media executives in achieving ethical reporting, especially of election processes. He said, “If we want the newsroom to uphold democratic values, media leaders must lead by example. That’s how we build institutions that last.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the International Press Council (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, charged participants, saying, “As gatekeepers, you shape narratives. This platform isn’t just about rules, it’s about renewing our collective commitment to journalism that reflects truth, fairness, and the diversity of our society.”
This Lagos session is the first in a three-part series designed to strengthen media leadership and accountability across Nigeria. It will be followed by targeted outreach visits to media houses and virtual check-ins to keep the momentum going.
The initiative forms part of the broader EU-SDGN II programme, which supports six key pillars of democracy: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Assembly, the Judiciary, political parties, civil society, and the media.
With this effort, the EU reaffirms its longstanding partnership with Nigeria, aiming to empower the institutions that make democracy work. And for the media, that means rising to the occasion, ensuring that every election is covered with clarity, fairness, and a commitment to the truth.
In a time when public trust is more valuable than ever, this gathering was a timely reminder: ethical journalism is not just a professional standard, it’s a public service.
