Media professionals, government representatives, communication experts, and stakeholders in the Nigerian media industry have emphasized the urgent need for ethical electoral reporting, responsible journalism, and fact-based communication as Nigeria prepares for future elections.
DASCENARIO reports that the call was made during the 7th Edition of the Timeline Awareness Initiative Lecture and Awards held at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
The event, organized by Timeline NG, focused on the theme: “Curbing Distortions of Events and Social Media Reporting During General Elections: A Look at Communication Style in the Government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.”
Lagos Government Advocates Accuracy and Patriotism in Electoral Reporting
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who was represented by Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi, stressed that electoral reporting must be guided by ethics, professionalism, patriotism, accuracy, transparency, and fairness.
According to him, journalism goes beyond ordinary reporting and carries fundamental obligations toward national peace, democratic stability, and public enlightenment.
He emphasized the need for journalists and media practitioners to verify information before publication, resist political pressure, avoid sensationalism, and ensure balanced representation of all sides during political reporting.
“The media should inform, educate and enlighten the citizenry, not manipulate or incite the polity,” he stated.
He further distinguished professional journalism from uncontrolled social media commentary, warning against the misuse of digital platforms to spread misinformation, division, and political manipulation.
According to him, democracy thrives when communication is rooted in truth and professionalism.
“Peace is priceless, and democracy becomes stronger when political communication is anchored on truth and professionalism,” he added.
Presidency Representative Calls for Responsible Public Communication
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sunday Dare, who was represented by Mr. Temitope Ajayi, echoed similar concerns regarding ethical electoral communication.
Ajayi informed participants that Hon. Dare was away on official assignments in Nairobi, Kenya, and Kigali, Rwanda, alongside President Tinubu for international engagements.
He commended the intellectual depth of the discussions and reinforced the importance of responsible electoral reporting for the stability and progress of Nigeria’s democratic system.
He also highlighted the need for journalists and social media users alike to uphold professionalism, objectivity, and national interest in political communication.
Timeline NG Publisher Emphasizes Collective Responsibility
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Publisher of Timeline NG, Mr. Yosuf Adeoye, described the lecture series as an important platform for addressing challenges associated with misinformation and distorted political narratives during election periods.
He stated that both government institutions and citizens share responsibility in curbing the spread of false information and divisive communication capable of undermining national unity and democratic processes.
According to him, the event was designed to provide participants with research-driven insights capable of strengthening ethical communication standards within the media landscape.
Participants at the event were exposed to discussions on:
- Electoral reporting ethics
- Responsible social media engagement
- Political communication strategies
- Media professionalism
- National unity and democratic stability
- Fact-checking and information verification
Observers described the lecture as timely, particularly amid increasing concerns over misinformation, fake news, and politically motivated digital propaganda in Nigeria’s evolving media environment.
Award Recipients Commend Organizers
Speaking with Iconblazemagazineonline after receiving an award at the event, Director of AP Service Station, Km 13 Lagos-Epe Expressway, Ikate, Lagos, Aare Bashir Fakorede, expressed appreciation to the organizers for the recognition.
He dedicated the award to God and humanity, noting that the recognition would further motivate him to continue supporting humanitarian causes and community development initiatives.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Arislat Nigeria Limited, Adamson Arise Kola, commended the quality of presentations delivered during the lecture.
He described the discussions as insightful and impactful, noting that participants gained valuable understanding of how electoral reporting should be responsibly handled for the public good.
Kola also praised the efforts of the Timeline NG team in successfully organizing the 7th edition of the initiative.
Growing Calls for Responsible Journalism Ahead of Future Elections
Media analysts say the event reflects growing concerns over the influence of misinformation, propaganda, and unchecked social media narratives on electoral processes and national stability.
Stakeholders at the lecture agreed that strengthening ethical journalism and promoting accurate information dissemination remain essential to preserving democratic values and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
As preparations for future elections gradually intensify, participants stressed that the role of journalists, media organizations, public communicators, and digital content creators will remain critical in shaping public perception and protecting democratic integrity.
