Ahead of 2027 General Elections, Sokoto NUJ Develops Capacity of Journalists
Ahead of 2027 General Elections, Sokoto NUJ Develops Capacity of Journalists
From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Sokoto State Council has developed the capacity of journalists in Sokoto State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The one-day workshop, organized in collaboration with the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Sokoto State Chapter, was held in Sokoto on Tuesday with the theme: “Reporting the 2027 Elections Responsibly: Cyber Law, Data Protection and Digital Safety for Journalists.”
Participants at the training were drawn from all media organisations operating in Sokoto State.
In his address, the Chairman of NUJ, Sokoto State Council, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, said the training was timely and necessary as the nation prepares for the 2027 general polls.
Binji said in today’s digital world, journalists increasingly depend on online platforms for news gathering and dissemination, but noted that the platforms also expose practitioners to legal risks, privacy violations, misinformation and cyber threats.
He said understanding cyber law is essential for journalists to protect their rights, fulfil legal obligations and avoid preventable legal problems, while upholding constitutional freedom of expression and the press.
According to him, data protection is a professional responsibility, as journalists handle sensitive information and confidential sources, adding that improper disclosure can endanger individuals and damage public trust.
The NUJ Chairman further stressed that digital safety is vital to professional security, citing cyberattacks, account hacking, identity theft, online harassment and phishing as serious risks to journalists.
He urged journalists to adopt simple safety measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication and avoidance of suspicious links, to protect their sources and integrity of their materials.
Binji added that as the 2027 elections approach, issues of false information, manipulated videos, fake accounts and misleading claims become more critical and can influence public opinion and create tension.
He therefore charged journalists to verify information before publication, authenticate digital materials and use their platforms to promote peaceful participation and informed democratic choices, with commitment to truth, fairness, accuracy and accountability.
He commended CSEAN for partnering with the NUJ and urged participants to apply the lessons learnt in their daily professional activities, reiterating the Council’s commitment to press freedom, ethics, continuous training and safety of journalists.
The participants all applauded the NUJ for organizing the all-important workshop, describing it as apt and enriching, especially as the 2027 general elections are fast approaching.
