By Esi-ife Arogundade
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged media practitioners to always be mindful of their crucial role in promoting democratic values and civic engagement,
The nongovernmental organisation gave the advice during a webinar series held on March 14, 2025, organised with support from the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) 11 initiative.
CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, highlighted the indispensable role of journalists in scrutinising government actions and fulfilling public interest duties.
“Journalists must inform the public not just about elections but also about the aftermath, ensuring those in power remain transparent and truthful to the electorate,” he said.
The training, themed “Media Practitioners as Catalysts for Civic Engagement and Democratic Accountability,” was designed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to enhance public participation in governance.
In his presentation on “Media Practitioners as Catalyst for Civic Engagement and Democratic Accountability”, Joseph Jibueze, who is the Deputy News Editor/ Head of Law desk at the Nation newspaper, emphasized the importance of truthfulness, fairness, and integrity in journalism, urging media professionals to uphold these principles.
Jibueze noted that civic engagement thrives on collective actions that unite individuals in advocating for community values. “Media practitioners are uniquely positioned to foster this civic engagement,” he stated.
He highlighted that the responsibility of the media, is to inform and mobilize citizens around vital issues. He addressed the concept of democratic accountability, outlining it as a fundamental element of a healthy democracy.
He said, the elected officials must maintain transparency and open communication with their constituents,” Jibueze explained.
He reiterated that media professionals play a pivotal role as watchdogs of democracy, tasked with holding political leaders accountable by ensuring that the public is well-informed about governmental actions and policies.
“The media’s watchdog role is not perfect yet, but it is essential.
The absence of a free press would leave power unchecked, which we cannot allow.”
As intermediaries between the public and their representatives, media practitioners empower citizens to voice their opinions and concerns.
Through diligent reporting, they equip the public with the knowledge necessary for meaningful participation in the democratic process.
The webinar underscored the evolving landscape of media and its enduring significance in nurturing civic engagement. With their impact extending far beyond mere storytelling, media professionals remain crucial players in fostering a resilient democracy.
Jibueze concluded, “An informed public is key to a thriving democracy, and media practitioners stand at the forefront of this endeavour.”
