By Eric Elezuo
The public presentation of Director of International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade’s book, “Media and Elections: Professional Responsibilities of Journalists” was another meeting point for eminent personalities, editors, reporters and the general public.
The launch of the book, which focused on good journalism and making reporters hold political leaders accountable, was chaired by Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
In his speech, he noted that journalists have an important role to inform the public about political process, contesting politicians and hold erring officers accountable.
“They should inform the public to the point of being able to elect the right person into office,” he said.
In his review, the book reviewer, Mr. Kunle Ajibade, stressed the need for media professionals to understand the “imperatives and mechanisms that will make us to be more professional, more conflict-sensitive, more gender supportive and more public interest and issue-oriented in our coverage of electoral and political processes.”
Delivering his address, Mr Arogundade noted that there is a huge responsibility on the media in the coverage of elections in Nigeria, saying that he was motivated to put his experience in field down for the benefit of the upcoming reporters.
Among prominent personalities who attended the event included former Commissioner for arts and Tourism, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; for Lagos State SSG, Mr. Tunji Bello, Publisher of the Vanguard Newspapers, Pa Sam Amuka, top government functionaries, traditional rulers and others.
