By: Abdulhafeez Oyewole
The International Press Centre (IPC) has called on Nigerian media outlets to strengthen inclusivity and accountability in their reporting by amplifying the voices of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), while also committing to fact-checking and professional ethics as a safeguard for democracy.
Speaking on Friday evening in Ilorin at an engagement with print and online media operational leaders in Kwara State, organised by the IPC with support from the European Union (EU-SDGN programme), IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, stressed that Nigerian journalists must go beyond routine coverage and profile the contributions of female lawmakers, commissioners, and local government chairpersons.
“The media must give greater attention to women and persons with disabilities. Their voices deserve to be heard, and their achievements showcased in the public space,” Arogundade said.
He further urged media houses to establish dedicated fact-checking units to counter misinformation and rebuild public trust.
“Disregard for fact-checking falls short of professional standards. It erodes the integrity of the press and threatens democracy itself,” he warned.
The engagement also tackled systemic challenges facing Nigerian journalism, including political interference, dwindling funding, digital disruption, and “brown envelope journalism” -- where reporters accept gratification to influence coverage.
Arogundade emphasized that the media, as democracy’s gatekeeper, must resist pressures that compromise credibility:
“Our democracy can only thrive when the media plays its watchdog role effectively. Responsible and ethical journalism is not optional - it is essential to Nigeria’s survival.”
Participants agreed on the urgent need to strengthen editorial independence, invest in technology, and commit to continuous professional training.
The event, which brought together leaders from print and digital platforms as well as executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara Chapter, forms part of IPC’s nationwide efforts, with EU support, to build a stronger, more independent, and more responsible media landscape.
About IPC
The International Press Centre (IPC) is a Lagos-based media resource centre committed to the defense of press freedom, the protection of journalists’ rights, and the promotion of ethical, inclusive, and sustainable media practice in Nigeria.
About EU-SDGN
The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme works across six components to promote credible elections, inclusive political participation, and strengthened democratic institutions, with the media playing a central role under Component 4.
.jpeg)