In anticipation of the 2027 General Elections and to promote greater women's participation in politics, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, in partnership with the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), held a media engagement for journalists from print and online platforms in Ilorin, Kwara State, over the weekend.

The interface discourse brought together media practitioners to strengthen their capacity in fair, ethical, and inclusive reporting of electoral processes.

Speaking at the event, IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade said the training was designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools to report electoral issues professionally while fostering collaboration among stakeholders on democratic governance.

"This interface is meant to empower women, promote youth development issues, and strengthen the media for fair, ethical, and inclusive coverage of electoral processes in Nigeria," he stated.

The session also highlighted the media's critical role in challenging stereotypes, amplifying underrepresented voices, and holding political actors accountable ahead of the upcoming polls.

Arogundade urged participants to be agents of change by embracing the "RUSH" principle - Report Until Something Happens, adding that the power of the media in shaping society cannot be overstated, given its impact on the general public.

He further charged journalists to sensitise citizens, especially women, on the importance of active political participation. "As we strive for a more democratic society, the media must remain committed to self-regulation and accurate reporting," he said.

Commending Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for creating more opportunities for women in governance and policy-making, Sanmi Folabi, Project Manager at IPC, urged journalists to leverage their various platforms to encourage women's participation in politics.