Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on journalists to prioritize political manifestos in their election reporting, emphasizing the importance of holding politicians accountable for the promises they make during campaigns.
Speaking at the 9th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Lagos, Issa-Onilu criticized the media’s tendency to emphasize sensational stories over substantive issues, highlighting that political manifestos play a critical role in shaping governance and democratic outcomes. He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s campaign manifesto was meticulously developed over several months and represents a reform-focused vision anchored on technology and innovation.
Keynote speaker Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari urged leaders and the media alike to ensure that campaign promises are aligned with governance realities, stressing the need for sincerity and strategic planning in public service delivery. Similarly, Chief Bode George encouraged political leaders to manage national resources efficiently for the benefit of citizens.
Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika praised journalists for their role in promoting accountability and underscored the influence of social media in fostering transparency and citizen engagement. She urged media practitioners to continue leveraging digital platforms to keep leaders answerable to the public.
Outgoing GOCOP President, Maureen Chigbo, expressed gratitude for members’ support, noting the Guild’s growth and rising professionalism in the digital media landscape. She encouraged the incoming executive team to maintain GOCOP’s credibility, uphold ethical standards, and further strengthen the role of online publishers in promoting responsible journalism.
The conference highlighted the urgent need for media houses to move beyond click-driven content, encouraging journalists to engage deeply with political manifestos, scrutinize campaign commitments, and provide citizens with the information necessary to make informed electoral choices.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com | ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew
Add comment
Comments