Online publishers, international press centre sign memorandum of understanding to advance inclusive reporting of gender issues

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and the International Press Centre (IPC) on Monday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to advance inclusive reporting of gender issues in the democratic and electoral process.

Penpushing reports that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), came after the IPC’s consultative session with Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) leadership held in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

The signatories include Danlami Nmodu (President Guild of Corporate Online Publishers) Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director as well as National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in attendance

Penpushing further reports that Nmodu in his brief remarks before the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) said online publishers’ decision to collaborate with the IPC formed part of the guild’s commitment to promoting inclusiveness and gender equality in Nigeria.

The President recalled that the collaboration between Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and IPC commenced during the tenure of its first female president, Maureen Chigbo.

Penpushing also reports that he assured that under his leadership, the guild will fully implement the MoU as part of its pledge to improve the visibility of women and other minority groups, such as Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), in politics and governance.

The online publishers boss assured that the leadership will spearhead the engagement of women, promote women’s voices and also focus on the sensitisation of female voters on politics, governance, accountability and transparency

Penpushing reports that Nmodu speaking on promoting trust in the electoral process, stated that to promote the trust of citizens, elected public office-holders must meet the expectations of the electorate.

The President equally assured that Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) members will prioritise the reportage of the implementation of the manifesto of elected candidates as well as the promises made by them during campaigns.

“We believe that the signing of this MoU is coming at the right time, we’ve just had a change of leadership. The new executive is determined to ensure that this partnership between GOCOP and IPC works’, he emphasised.

“At GOCOP, we are committed to deepening the reportage of gender issues. We are determined to ensure that we engage, sensitise and enlighten women on elections, governance and other issues of national importance. All of these are to ensure that we widen the scope of female participation in all spheres of society”, Nmodu said.

Penpushing further reports that Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, in his remarks, explained that the MoUs signed with Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) are targeted at ensuring inclusivity, accountability and transparency in the electoral process.

The Executive Director called on the two bodies to lead the push for impartial election monitoring and reportage, adding that the media should also scrutinise elected government officials, taking them to task on campaign promises.

“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, discussions regarding electoral trust and stakeholder confidence have become increasingly prominent. A critical factor in the discourse is the understanding that the integrity of any election is determined not only by its final outcomes, but also by the process that precedes them-including voter registration, vote collation and the subsequent announcement of results”, he said.

Penpushing also reports that National Chairperson of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Aisha Bura Ibrahim, earlier in her speech expressed the readiness of the association to amplify the position of women in politics and governance.

The Chairperson called for credible elections even as she reiterated the association commitment to improving the reportage of issues affecting women, stressing the need to train and retrain female journalists, improve newsroom management to expand the opportunities for female reporters as we all the widening of access to platforms such as the agreement between National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and International Press Centre (IPC) presented.

“NAWOJ insists that inclusive elections are trusted elections. Women must be visible as voters, candidates, election observers, and commentators. By amplifying women’s voices, NAWOJ promotes broader social trust and legitimacy in democracy.

“NAWOJ urges electoral bodies, security agencies, and political parties to maintain openness, fairness, and communication with the public. Transparency in vote counting, result transmission, and dispute resolution is essential for restoring public confidence”.

Penpushing reports that President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero in his remarks, commended the bodies for taking the bold step to increase the visibility of women in the media.

The labour leader called on the media to stand on the side of the people and not to serve as the megaphone of the government, and maintained that the media must serve as the compass to guide the nation, especially in critical moments such as the general elections.

Penpushing further reports that Orvenonne Ikwen, the Strategic Communications Officer, Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, who represented the Nigeria Police Force at the meeting, said the police will collaborate with the media to deliver on a peaceful and credible election come 2027.

Meanwhile, stakeholders were also presented with International Press Centre (IPC’s) report on Safeguarding Electoral Integrity For Democratic Consolidation which is a component of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) as executed by International Press Centre (IPC).

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