GOCOP, IPC sign MoU to promote inclusive reporting in electoral process

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and the International Press Centre (IPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote inclusive reporting of gender issues in Nigeria.

The MoU was signed on Monday by Danlami Nmodu, GOCOP president, and Lanre Arogundade, executive director of IPC, following a consultative meeting between both organisations on May 30 in Abuja.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nmodu said the partnership reflects GOCOP’s commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusiveness in politics and governance.

“At GOCOP, we are committed to deepening the reportage of gender issues,” he said.

“We will engage, sensitise, and enlighten women on elections, governance, and other issues of national importance to widen the scope of female participation in all spheres of society.”

The GOCOP president said the collaboration between both organisations began during the tenure of Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP’s first female president, and assured that his leadership would fully implement the MoU.

He added that the guild will prioritise the tracking of campaign promises and the implementation of manifestos by elected officials to promote trust in the electoral process.

Arogundade said the MoUs signed with GOCOP and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) aim to strengthen inclusivity, accountability, and transparency ahead of the 2027 general election.

“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, trust in the process is as important as the outcome,” he said.

“The media must ensure impartial election coverage and hold public officials accountable for their promises.”

Aisha Ibrahim, national chairperson of NAWOJ, also pledged the association’s commitment to amplifying women’s voices in politics and governance.

She called for the training of female journalists and improved newsroom management to expand women’s participation in the media.

“NAWOJ insists that inclusive elections are trusted elections. Women must be visible as voters, candidates, observers, and commentators,” she said.

Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), commended IPC, GOCOP, and NAWOJ for their efforts to increase women’s visibility in the media.

He urged journalists to serve as a moral compass for society, especially during elections.

Also speaking, Orvenonne Ikwen, strategic communications officer at the Force Headquarters, who represented the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), pledged the police’s readiness to collaborate with the media to ensure peaceful and credible elections in 2027.

During the event, IPC presented a report titled ‘Safeguarding Electoral Integrity for Democratic Consolidation’, produced under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme.