From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia
The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State, is set to train over 50 journalists and media practitioners ahead of the 2027 general elections as part of activities marking its 2026 Press Week.
The three-day programme, scheduled for Wednesday, November 4 to Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre, BCA Road, Umuahia, will feature a two-day professional retreat and a grand finale aimed at strengthening the capacity of journalists for credible, ethical and responsible election reporting.
Themed “The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation: Preparing Abia Media Practitioners for Democracy and the 2027 Polls,” the retreat is expected to equip participants with essential professional skills and digital tools to navigate the increasingly complex media landscape, especially amid rising misinformation, disinformation, deepfakes and misuse of Artificial Intelligence.
Participants will be exposed to critical areas of contemporary journalism, including responsible application of AI in news reporting, fact-checking and verification of political claims, ethical election coverage, media safety, hate speech, inflammatory political communication and the role of the media in promoting peaceful, credible and issue-based elections.
The retreat will feature distinguished resource persons, including the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Abia State, Prof. Sylvia Uchenna Agu; the Abia State Commissioner of Police, AIG Wilfred Afolabi; and the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, Prof. Stella Okunna.
Others are veteran journalist and former Secretary to the Abia State Government, Pastor Ralph Egbu; Chief Medical Director of Abia Specialist Hospital, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu; and digital expert, Mr. Chibueze Ukaegbu.
In a joint statement by the Chairman of the Chapel, Deacon Steve Oko, and Secretary, Henrietta Ashikodi, as well as Chairman of the Planning Committee, Peter Okore, and Secretary, Leonard Okachie, the organisers said the keynote address will be delivered by the Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Prof. Christopher Okoro.
According to the statement, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Uwaoma Uche, will chair the grand finale, which will feature a political debate by National Assembly candidates from various political parties on November 6.
The statement said the programme was conceived in response to the growing demands of election reporting in an era where digital manipulation and proliferation of false information pose serious threats to democratic processes.
It noted that credible elections and functional democracy depend substantially on an informed electorate, accurate information and a professionally equipped media capable of holding political actors accountable.
The Chapel said it is determined to ensure that journalists in Abia are adequately prepared for the challenges of the 2027 elections through continuous training, professional development and strict adherence to ethical standards.
According to the statement, the political debate and manifesto presentation by National Assembly candidates will provide them an opportunity to present their programmes and policy proposals to the electorate through the Chapel’s media platforms.
The initiative is designed to promote political neutrality, equal media access and issue-based engagement, while empowering voters with information required to make informed electoral choices.
The event will also feature presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to leadership, public service and sports. The honourees include the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON; Prof. Nnenna Oti; and Super Eagles star, Samuel Chukwueze.
The statement added that the Press Week will underscore the critical role of journalism in democratic development, particularly as the country approaches another electoral cycle, while reaffirming the Chapel’s commitment to credible reporting, accountability and peaceful political participation.
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