From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Jargaba, has urged journalists to ensure accurate and responsible reporting and avoid language that could create tension during and after the 2027 general elections.
Jargaba made the call at a two-day workshop organised ahead of the 2027 elections.
The workshop, themed “Journalism, Election and Democratic Governance in the Digital Age,” was organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.
He reminded journalists of the need to verify information before publication and differentiate between facts and rumours.
According to him, accuracy in reporting is essential to prevent the spread of misinformation, particularly in today’s digital environment.
“Conflict reporting requires caution. Journalists must report accurately and responsibly and avoid language that could cause tension,” he said.
Jargaba also advised journalists to understand their operating environment, identify potential risks and maintain communication with their newsrooms during election coverage.
He said the workshop was organised to enable participants to learn from experience, share knowledge and become familiar with the challenges associated with election reporting.
Jargaba commended the Katsina State Government for sponsoring the workshop and urged participants to make effective use of the knowledge and experience gained during the training.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Information, Bala Zango, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Tukur Dan-Ali, assured journalists that the government would continue to create an enabling environment for them to carry out their professional responsibilities.
Zango commended the Correspondents’ Chapel for initiating the workshop, noting that it would help participants improve responsible and accurate reporting ahead of the 2027 elections.
Three papers were presented during the workshop to equip participants with relevant knowledge and practical guidance on their responsibilities as journalists.
The topics included “Media and Electoral Accountability,” “Journalism, Election and Democratic Governance in the Digital Age,” and “Journalist Safety During Elections: Risk Assessment, Conflict Reporting and Field Protection.”
