The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Kogi State Chapter, is seeking a stronger partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to enhance voter education, election monitoring, and professional training for journalists in preparation for the 2027 general election. This was made known during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ members to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Lokoja. The association aims to work closely with INEC to boost public enlightenment and encourage greater participation of women in the electoral process.
According to Comrade Stella Edoka, Chairperson of NAWOJ in Kogi State, the association has recently initiated voter education programs through various media platforms. These programs aim to encourage women to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards, and exercise their right to vote for their preferred candidates. Edoka emphasized the importance of collaboration between NAWOJ and INEC to achieve a more informed and inclusive electoral process in Kogi State.
NAWOJ is set to organize a training program for women journalists and members of other women groups on October 7. The program focuses on identifying, investigating, documenting, and reporting gender-based violence during elections. The training aims to equip journalists with the necessary skills to report sensitive electoral issues accurately, ethically, objectively, and responsibly. This initiative seeks to enhance the capacity of journalists to document cases of violence against vulnerable groups during the electoral process.
The NAWOJ Chairperson stressed the need for INEC's support towards the success of the training and other programs of the association. She expressed optimism that a stronger collaboration between NAWOJ and INEC would contribute to a more informed, inclusive, and participatory electoral process in Kogi State. Edoka appreciated the REC and INEC management staff for receiving the delegation and expressed hope for concrete areas of collaboration.
In response, Alhaji Shehu Wahab, the Kogi State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, appreciated NAWOJ for the visit and acknowledged the crucial role of journalists in strengthening the electoral process. He noted that INEC remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders, including the media, to deepen voter education, public awareness, and citizens' participation in the electoral process.
The REC emphasized the importance of responsible and accurate reportage of electoral matters. He noted that effective collaboration with the media would help counter misinformation and provide voters with reliable information. This partnership aims to promote a more transparent and credible electoral process in Kogi State.
The courtesy visit and proposed collaboration between NAWOJ and INEC reflect a shared commitment to enhancing the electoral process in Nigeria. By working together, both organizations aim to promote voter education, prevent gender-based violence, and ensure accurate reporting of electoral issues. This partnership is expected to contribute to a more inclusive and participatory electoral process in Kogi State and beyond.
Key points
- NAWOJ seeks INEC's collaboration for voter education and election monitoring ahead of the 2027 general election.
- The association aims to promote greater participation of women in the electoral process.
- A training program is planned to equip journalists with skills to report sensitive electoral issues accurately and responsibly.
