By Abioye Tosin Lawrence
Oriontimes Newsroom | June 30, 2026
OSOGBO – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on media practitioners in Osun State to uphold professionalism, fairness and accuracy in reporting as preparations intensify for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The call was made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola,
during a one-day dialogue with media executives, producers, reporters and on-air personalities held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Aenon Suites Hotel, 1 Femi Adefila Crescent, GRA, Osogbo.
The engagement, which brought together journalists from print, broadcast and online media, formed part of INEC's strategic stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening voter education, promoting electoral transparency and ensuring a peaceful and credible governorship election.
Welcoming participants, Mrs. Babalola described the media as one of the Commission's most valuable partners in deepening democracy through objective reporting, public enlightenment and the dissemination of timely and accurate electoral information.
She expressed appreciation to the Director of Voter Education and Publicity from INEC Headquarters, the Administrative Secretary, Deputy Directors from Abuja, Heads of Departments, and other senior officials for attending the programme.
"The media remains indispensable in promoting democratic values, combating misinformation and disinformation, and encouraging citizens' confidence and participation in the electoral process," she said.
The REC explained that the dialogue was designed to provide a platform for constructive engagement with journalists on emerging electoral issues, effective communication strategies and the responsibilities of the media before, during and after the election.
According to her, the Commission remains committed to maintaining an open relationship with media organizations through continuous collaboration and constructive feedback to improve electoral processes.
She urged journalists across Osun State to sustain professional, balanced and issue-based reporting capable of promoting peaceful elections and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
Comprehensive Agenda Focused on Election Preparedness
The event featured a carefully structured programme designed to equip media practitioners with comprehensive knowledge of INEC's preparations for the governorship election.
The event also featured opening remarks by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mal. Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to transparency and effective stakeholder engagement.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Oketola Adedayo and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, both of whom emphasized the critical role of responsible journalism in safeguarding democracy.
Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, commended media organisations across the state for their professionalism and commitment to voter education ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
According to him, radio and television stations, newspapers, as well as online and digital media platforms in Osun State have continued to play a commendable role in sensitising residents on the importance of participating actively in the electoral process.
Aboderin noted that the sustained public enlightenment efforts of the media have contributed significantly to increasing public awareness of electoral activities and civic responsibilities.
He, however, urged media practitioners not to relent in their efforts, stressing the need for continuous collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that accurate, timely and credible electoral information reaches every segment of society.
Participants were thereafter taken through the objectives and expectations of the engagement by Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity.
INEC Demonstrates Election Technology
One of the major highlights of the dialogue was a presentation on INEC's technological innovations by Mrs. Ajila-Phillips Kemi, Head of ICT/VR, Osun State.
The session focused extensively on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal, explaining how both technologies enhance transparency, voter accreditation and public confidence in election result management.
Mr. Fayanju Omoniyi ESQ, Head of Legal Services, highlighted key amendments expected to guide the conduct of the governorship election.
The Head of Electoral Operations, Mr. Ajamu Daniel, delivered a detailed presentation on voting processes and procedures, providing practical guidance on election-day operations.
Journalists also participated in an interactive session facilitated by Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, Deputy Director, Information and Publicity, where issues relating to accreditation procedures for election coverage were discussed extensively.
The programme concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Ariyo Rufus, Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Osun State, followed by lunch and departure.
The dialogue reaffirmed INEC's resolve to sustain collaboration with the media as a strategic partner in delivering a peaceful, transparent, free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State on August 15, 2026.
0 Comments
Join the conversation!
Have insights, corrections, or questions about this news story? Drop your comment below. We value civil, fact-based discussion.