Stanley Ajileye.
,,,,BEING A LECTURE DELEVERED ST THE 2023 ANNUAL LECTURE AND AWARDS CEREMONY OF THE PROJECTOR NEWS AND PICS ON ITS 11TH ANNIVERSARY.
Presented by Stanley Ajileye
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
Today, I want to share my perspective on the critical role that the media plays in mitigating pre and post-election violence in Nigeria. In a country with a diverse population and a history of electoral clashes, this topic is not only timely but essential.
Throughout Nigeria’s history, general elections have often been marred by violence. From the early elections in 1964/5, which claimed over 200 lives, to the more recent incidents following the 2019 national elections, where around 150 lives were lost, election violence remains a significant concern.
Stanley Ajileye, the quest lecturer at the occasion.
The media, as a key influencer in our society, cannot escape scrutiny when it comes to the root causes of these incidents. Home Journal of African Films & Diaspora Studies Vol. 3, No. 2 has highlighted the pivotal role of mass media, particularly television, during election campaigns. The media shapes public opinions and attitudes towards political candidates and parties, and its influence cannot be understated.
Agenda-setting theory tells us that the media has the power to set the agenda for political discussions. The more emphasis the media places on a particular issue, the more the electorate perceives it as significant. Therefore, it is crucial that the media provides non-partisan political news coverage and equal opportunities for all political parties.
The media is more than just a messenger; it is also a watchdog. It ensures transparency in the political process and provides a platform for candidates and voters to discuss crucial issues. However, as election-related violence becomes a serious challenge, the media can also amplify tensions during contentious elections, as witnessed in other African countries like Kenya.
Now, let’s explore how various media platforms can be harnessed to prevent and address election-related violence.
**1. Raising Awareness and Promoting Civic Education:**
In the pre-election phase, media channels are vital for raising awareness and educating citizens about democratic ideals, voter rights, and responsibilities. Through various platforms such as radio, television, newspapers, and social media, the media can disseminate unbiased information about candidates, party manifestos, and the importance of peaceful participation in shaping our nation’s future. Public debates and interviews can spotlight election-related issues, fostering an informed electorate.
**2. Fact-Checking and Challenging Misinformation:**
Misinformation is a major challenge during pre and post-election periods. The media can combat this by engaging in rigorous fact-checking and debunking false claims. Dedicated fact-checking units within news organizations can play a crucial role in promoting factual reporting and safeguarding against the spread of harmful rumors that may incite violence.
**3. Monitoring and Reporting:**
During the election period, the media plays a critical role in monitoring and reporting on electoral processes. Journalists act as watchdogs, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process. They independently observe voting stations, report irregularities, and highlight potential triggers for violence. This early warning system helps flag problematic situations before they escalate.
**4. Peace Advocacy:**
Media platforms can also be powerful voices for peace advocacy. By dedicating airtime to peace messages, promoting dialogue, and engaging with community leaders, the media can contribute to diffusing tension and promoting a culture of peaceful resolution. Local radio stations, in particular, can reach remote areas with limited access to other forms of media, making them invaluable tools for disseminating messages of unity and understanding.
In conclusion, the use of media in controlling pre and post-election violence in Nigeria can significantly contribute to the creation of a peaceful and inclusive democratic society. By embracing their roles as educators, fact-checkers, watchdogs, and peace advocates, media organizations can play a transformative role in mitigating electoral violence. However, it is imperative to ensure that media professionals adhere to principles of ethical reporting and avoid propagating hate speech or biased information that may fuel division. Ultimately, the media’s commitment to responsible and unbiased reporting will be crucial in instilling confidence in the electoral process and fostering national unity.
BEING AN OPENING REMARK BY MR. AYODELE GIDEON, THE PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF OF THE PROJECTOR NEWSPAPER ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2023 ANNUAL LECTURE AND AWARDS CEREMONY MARKING THE 11TH YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT ON THIS DAY 12TH OCTOBER, 2023
PROTOCOL:
Ladies and gentlemen,
Esteemed audience, you are welcome to the 2023 annual lecture and awards ceremony marking the 11th year anniversary of The PROJECTOR Newspaper. Today, we gather here to celebrate another year of visionary, innovative, fearless, and unbiased reportage.
As we reflect on our successes to date, I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our highly valued readers, contributors, and partners. You are our extended family, and without your unwavering support, we would not be standing here today. Your trust in our news and pictures has propelled us to new heights, and we are truly grateful for that.
Today, as we celebrate our 11th year anniversary, we also have the pleasure of rewarding and recognizing the people who have been the backbone of our media outfit. Our team at The PROJECTOR News and Pics is proud to have earned overwhelming patronage from every angle of the state and beyond. Your continued support has been the proverbial icing on the big birthday cake.
Since our founding on April 12, 2012, The PROJECTOR News and Pics has grown from strength to strength. We have become a respected presence in North Central, Southwest, and beyond. Our successful brand launch into the online medium has allowed us to reach even more readers and deliver high-quality, accessible content.
Our goal as a news media has always been to bridge the gap between national, international, and community news coverage. We have strived to deliver the news with the utmost professionalism, while also focusing on the personalities behind the breakthroughs. This approach has connected us to the communities we serve in a special way, and we believe it has had an impact beyond our own walls, raising the standards for all players in the field.
However, we are far from complacent. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, we have embraced digitalization and served niche audiences with compelling content in digestible formats. We have also provided our clients with new ways to reach more qualified leads. The PROJECTOR News is constantly evolving to meet the changing demands of our readers and partners.
Today, as we celebrate 11 years of success, I want to emphasize that a compelling idea and excellent execution are only half the battle. Our success is a testament to the many people who have supported us on this journey. It is with great pleasure that we have nominated individuals and organizations in various categories for our special awards today. These awards recognize and celebrate those who have distinguished themselves in their endeavors and contributed to human capacity building and community development. They deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated for their invaluable contributions.
As we raise a glass to celebrate our anniversary, let us also raise a heartfelt toast to thank our extended family. To all our readers, contributors, and partners, your support has not only allowed us to come this far, but it has also made this journey incredibly enjoyable. We cannot wait to see what the next decade has in store for The PROJECTOR News. We anticipate more disruptive brands, innovative content, collaboration, and, most importantly, more success and growth.
Thank you once again for being a part of our journey. Here’s to you, and here’s to the next 11 years of impeccable news reportage by The PROJECTOR News and Pics!
