Osun election: Stakeholders seek media support

Journalists in Osun state were yesterday urged to contribute to the peaceful conduct of September 22 governorship election by ensuring balance report before, during and after the election.
Stakeholders spoke at the 3-day capacity building workshop for Journalists and media groups on Conflict Sensitive Reportage Ahead of Gubernatorial Election in Osun state, at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop, the country Director of United Nation Development Programme, UNDP, Mr.
Samuel Bwalya, described Journalists as major stakeholders in the success of election.
He said the UNDP was concerned with how to develop a common understanding of the impact of violent conflict on the society, and promote a conflictsensitive reporting culture among media practitioners.
Bwalya was represented by Mr.
Matthew Alao.
He called on the media to partner with UNDP in its effort to achieve sustainable development through credible, free and fair elections, devoid of violence and rancour.
“Media plays critical role in the national development of any country irrespective of the forms of governance they practice.The people have trusted the medium to the extent that whatever news that is churned out is taken as the gospel truth.
It thus becomes imperative to build the capacity of the media to be conscious of the fact that their reportage may make or mar the country as it may have serious unintended consequences on the citizens.
Speaking, the Chairman of NUJ, Osun state chapter, Mr.
Abiodun Olalere gave assurance that journalists in Osun state would ensure balance reportage for the governorship election.
He noted that the media contributed in no small way to the peace and quietness being enjoyed in Osun state, promising that they will not relent in their efforts at ensuring peace in the state.
While declaring the workshop open, the representative of the government of Osun state, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr.
Yinusa Olalekan, commended the media for sustaining peace through their reports.
He assured that the government will continue to provide enabling environment for Journalists in Osun state to practice.