By Osun 2018: UNDP sensitizes journalists ahead of Guber poll
Taiwo Okanlawon
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria has started 3-days capacity building workshop for journalists and media groups on conflict sensitive reportage ahead of the gubernatorial election in Osun State.
The workshop holding at the Kakanfo Inn and Conference Center, Ibadan, Oyo state have in attendance journalists from media outlets across the country.
It is an initiative in which UNDP desires to partner the state government and key stakeholders on sensitive reportage ahead of the election in Osun state.
According to UNDP Country Director, Samuel Bwalya, represented by Mr. Mathew Alao, the Conflict Prevention and Rebuilding Manager, UNDP, Abuja, said there’s need to accurately inform the people to make the right political decisions and choices should be prioritized.
In his words, “Election has been one of the major instruments that deepens democracy in our contemporary global history and media has been ally for its sustainance.
“The way news media shun out this information is also instructive of the reactions that it will provoke from the people. Consequently, we gather here today members of the Fourth Estate from the state of Osun and adjourning states to brainstorm and exchange ideas on how we can use our platforms or privilegeg position to foster peace and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.”
He further highlighted the agenda of the workshop which is designed to help the participants to become more conscious and sensitive about their news reportage while being factual.
Alao, however, implored the participants to take advantage of the forum to sharpen their skills in the subject areas to be able to contribute their quota to the growth of democratic development in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola who was represented by Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. Olalekan Yinusa, appreciate the attendance of the participants.
According to him, ” I must say sincerely that you belong to a noble society and the conscience in the society are in this particular room.
“More importantly, election is close by and every comment you make, your report, your post will have serious implications in our society.
“Your efforts to report issues as they are is contributing to the peace in Osun and the Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and the government will continue to work towards any opportunity to provide conducive environment in the state,” he said.
