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Advancing Women Issues in Elections & Democracy: IPC Begin Consultations with NAWOJ & GOCOP For Immediate Release: Friday, May 23, 2025 Lagos, Nigeria – As part of ongoing efforts to enhance democratic participation and elevate women’s voices in Nigeria’s political landscape, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, is convening a series of high-level consultative forums with key media stakeholders. Supported by the European Union under its flagship Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II (EU-SDGN II) programme, the engagements aim to strengthen the professionalism of female journalists in reporting women-focused issues in elections, governance, and democratic processes. The sessions, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), are scheduled for Saturday, 24 May 2025, in Port Harcourt and Tuesday, 27 May 2025, in Abuja. The EU-SDGN II programme reflects the European Union’s broader commitment to supporting a pluralistic, inclusive, and participatory democracy in Nigeria. It spans five key components, including support to INEC, the National Assembly and Judiciary, political parties, civil society, and the media. Each component is designed to strengthen democratic institutions through coordinated and long-term interventions. The overall objective is to foster a functioning democracy that leaves no voice behind. “At the heart of these consultations is our commitment to exploring innovative, solutions-driven approaches that will amplify women’s voices in the media, especially in the context of elections and political participation,” said Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC. “We are bringing together female editors, producers, presenters, and senior media executives from across print, broadcast, and online platforms, alongside the national leadership of NAWOJ and GOCOP, to ensure that this effort is collaborative and far-reaching.” “These forums will also focus on how women journalists can take a more active role in advocating for the representation of women in politics and governance. Journalism must be seen not only as a profession but as a strategic tool for influencing public discourse and shaping policy outcomes,” he added. “We expect concrete outputs from these engagements, including strategic frameworks for continued collaboration, clear performance benchmarks, and formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to guide implementation going forward.” Arogundade further noted that the consultative forums are part of IPC’s strategic efforts to empower women journalists as key agents for broader gender empowerment and political inclusion. “These consultations form part of our strategic efforts to empower women journalists towards empowering women in general, and female politicians in particular, as we begin to assess the post-2023 midterm context and look ahead to 2027,” he said. Participants will be expected to examine practical strategies that elevate the role of women journalists nationwide in promoting women’s voices and issues, while advocating increased representation and visibility in both political processes and governance spaces. Signed:Olutoyin AyoadeCommunications OfficerComponent 4 (Support to Media)EU-SDGN II Projecttayoade@ipcng.org

Date of Issue: 16th May, 2025 Deadline for Submission: 23rd May, 2025 1. Introduction The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), implementing partners of Component 4 – (Support to Media)  of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Phase II, hereby invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified service providers for the design, development, and deployment of a unified One-Stop Virtual Platform. This platform will serve as an integrated digital platform to showcase both organisations’ interventions, provide streamlined access to knowledge products, and consolidate all Component 4’s digital tools, including fact-checking and mis/disinformation tracking resources. 2. Objective To establish a centralised digital hub that enhances visibility, coordination, and effectiveness of digital interventions under Component 4. The platform will serve journalists, media professionals, fact-checkers, and citizens by providing consolidated access to: • Fact-checking tools and activities • Training modules and learning resources • Misinformation/disinformation tracking resources • Relevant media intervention strategies and outputs • Stories, blogs and investigative reports 3. Scope of Work The shortlisted provider will be responsible for:• Designing a responsive and user-friendly web platform for mobile, tablet, and desktop• Integrating existing tools such as HaltFake.org, NDR Fact-Check Menu, and Virtual Training Platform• Creating a dashboard for resource organisation, user access, and tool deployment• Embedding interactive features for reporting misinformation, downloading training kits, and showcasing impact stories• Incorporating user analytics, security protocols, and role-based access management• Ensuring ongoing technical support and maintenance • Implementing data privacy and compliance protocols• Demonstrating platform scalability and interoperability 4. Eligibility Criteria EOIs are welcome from qualified firms, organisations, or individual consultants with:• Proven experience in designing and managing digital knowledge portals or e-learning solutions• Technical expertise in web platform development, fact-checking tech, and dashboard integration• Experience working with media development, governance, or election-related projects in Nigeria or similar contexts• Capacity to deliver within a short timeline. 5. Submission Requirements Interested parties must submit a concise proposal (maximum 3 pages), including:• Company/organisational/individual profile• Description of similar past projects (with links where applicable)• Overview of proposed design and implementation strategy• Timeline for execution• Technical infrastructure and sustainability plan• Demo or access to sample platform(s) developed 6. Submission Deadline All EOIs must be submitted electronically in PDF format to the following email addresses no later than 23rd May, 2025. Email Subject Line: EOI Submission – One-Stop Virtual Platform Submit to:  procurement@ipcng.org,  procurement1@cemesong.org 7. General Information EOIs will be evaluated based on technical strength, responsiveness to the eligibility criteria and submission requirements letter above. IPC and CEMESO reserve the right to accept or reject submissions without assigning any reason. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to make a presentation or submit clarifications. The engagement will follow the value-for-money principles of the EU-SDGN programme. EOIs are restricted to organisations or individuals residing and operating in Nigeria. Disclaimer: Submission of an EOI does not constitute a guarantee of contract award. 8. Contact For inquiries, please contact:procurement@ipcng.org and procurement1@cemesong.org

Date of Issue: 16th of May, 2025 Deadline for Submission: 23rd of May, 2025 1. Introduction The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), implementing partners of Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN) Programme – Phase II, hereby invite qualified service providers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the design, development and establishment of a Virtual Media Training Platform. This platform will serve as a digital hub for enhancing the role of the Nigerian media—print, online, and broadcast—in the ethical, professional, issue-focused, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive reporting of Nigeria’s electoral processes. 2. Objective The objective of the platform is to provide a robust, interactive and accessible virtual environment for building the capacity of journalists and media professionals on electoral reporting, media ethics, fact-checking, misinformation and democratic governance. The platform should support real-time and self-paced learning formats.   3. Scope of Work The shortlisted service provider will be required to: o   Seamless integration of multimedia training content including video, podcasts and other digital elements. o   Live webinars and workshops o   Self-paced learning modules o   Assessment tools and mechanisms feedback and reporting functionalities. o   Multi-device accessibility (mobile, tablet, desktop) o   Provide secure user registration, tracking, analytics and certification. o   Implement robust user authentication, profile management, and progress tracking.      ii.            Ensure data security and compliance with privacy standards.    iii.       Ensure platform scalability and sustainability. 4. Eligibility Criteria EOIs are welcome from qualified firms, organisations, or individual consultants with: ·       Proven experience in e-learning platform development and management ·       Capacity to implement secure, scalable virtual solutions tailored to the Nigerian context ·       Technical capability and resources for platform development, hosting, and support. ·       Experience in multimedia content integration, user analytics, and secure platform management. ·       Strong understanding of digital learning trends and best practices. ·       Presentation of a Demo to support capacity to deliver. 5. Submission Requirements Interested parties should submit an application in not more than 5 pages (including relevant links, where applicable) entailing: ·       Summary of company/organisational/individual profile ·       Description of relevant experience and previous similar projects ·       Brief outline of proposed approach to platform development outlining features, tools, and delivery timeline. ·       Sample platform or links to prior work (where available) ·       Contact information 6. Submission Deadline All EOIs must be submitted electronically in PDF format to the email address below by May 23, 2025. Email Subject Line: EOI Submission – Virtual Media Training Platform Submit to: procurement@ipcng.org  and procurement1@cemesong.org 7. General information. The selection team shall be guided by the procurement rules guiding the project. Shortlisted applicants will be invited by the procurement team to submit quotes for provision of the service  and may be requested to submit additional information, or be engaged in relation to adjustments of certain aspects of the services, in line with the value-for-money principles of the EU-SDGN programme. EOIs are restricted to organisations or individuals residing and operating in Nigeria. Disclaimer: Submission of an Expression of Interest does not constitute a guarantee of engagement. IPC and CEMESO reserve the right to accept or reject any submission without assigning any reason. For additional inquiries, please contact:Email: procurement@ipcng.org  and procurement1@cemesong.org

Date of Issue: May 16, 2025 Deadline for Submission:May 26, 2025 1. Introduction The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), implementing partners of Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme – Phase II, hereby invite qualified consultants—individuals or firms—to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the development of high-quality training modules for a Virtual Media Training Platform. The platform aims to serve as a dynamic digital hub for enhancing media professionalism, particularly in electoral reporting, media ethics, conflict sensitive reporting, fact-checking, countering mis/disinformation, and democratic governance. 2. Objective To develop contextually relevant, multimedia-rich, and professionally structured training modules that are aligned with virtual learning standards and tailored to Nigerian media practitioners’ needs. The modules will support both real-time and self-paced learning experiences on the Virtual Media Training Platform. 3. Scope of Work 4. Eligibility Criteria EOIs are welcome from qualified firms organisations or individual experts with: Demonstrated experience in instructional design, module development, or digital learning content creation. 5. Submission Requirements Interested parties should submit an application not exceeding 5 pages (including relevant links or attachments) comprising: 6. Submission Details All EOIs must be submitted electronically to the email addresses below no later than May 26, 2025. Email Subject Line: EOI Submission – Development of training module Submit to:procurement@ipcng.org and procurement1@cemesong.org 7. General Information The selection process will be guided by the procurement principles of value for money, balancing cost, quality, and impact. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit quotes for the provision of the services and to provide further details or undergo additional review stages. EOIs are restricted to organisations or individuals residing and operating in Nigeria. Disclaimer:Submission of an Expression of Interest does not constitute a guarantee of engagement. IPC and CEMESO reserve the right to accept or reject any submission without assigning any reason. 8. Contact For inquiries, please contact:procurement@ipcng.org and procurement1@cemesong.org

The Nigeria Democratic Report (NDR) www.ndr.org.ng is an independent online news portal and media resource managed by the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria and integrated into the ONE-STOP SHOP interface platform of Component 4: Support to Media, under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN) Programme – Phase II.Component 4 is implemented by the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO). As part of programmatic re-engineering to enhance and advance a more engaging and robust online platform that provides model accurate, inclusive, ethical and fact-checked reporting on Nigeria’s electoral and democratic processes, IPC hereby invites applications from suitably qualified and committed persons with requisite media/journalism/communication background for the following vacant positions.a. Reporters (Abuja)b. Fact-Checkers (Lagos) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTSa. Reporters (Abuja-Based): Key Responsibilities:The desired applicant for the post of Reporter shall have requisite skills to perform tasks, including but not limited to the following:• Cover events related to Nigeria’s electoral processes and associated matters of democratic governance events including, but not limited to the reporting of civic activities and events involving electoral stakeholders (the Electoral Management Body- INEC; Political Stakeholders; Elections related Government Institutions; Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) & NGOs; and others) in Abuja and surrounding areas.• Conduct investigations and produce investigative reports on electoral accountability issues including but not limited to political and campaign finance.• Write accurate, ethical, and timely news and feature stories focused on elections, governance, and public interest issues (with appropriate pictures, as applicable).• Conduct interviews with strategic stakeholders.• Contribute to special reports, fact-checking, and multimedia content (where applicable). Key Requirements:• Degree in Mass Communication/Journalism/Communication Arts, the Social Sciences or related fields.• Have verifiable reporting experience, preferably covering political or civic beats for at least 5 years.• Have strong writing, research, and source-verification skills.• Be based in Abuja and is familiar with Nigeria’s democratic and electoral landscape especially the legislative frameworks. b. Fact-checker (Lagos-based): Key Responsibilities:The desired applicant for the post of fact-checkers shall have requisite skills to perform the tasks, including but not limited to the following:• Monitor political and electoral news content for false claims by text, audio and video constituting disinformation, misinformation and Mal-information.• Produce well-researched fact-check reports using credible sources and verification tools.• Collaborate with reporters and editors to support accurate, issue-based journalism.• Contribute to public education on electoral dis/misinformation and media literacy. Key Requirements:• Background in journalism, data/investigative reporting, research or communication studies or any other field• Based in Lagos with the ability to work both independently and with a team.• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and digital literacy.• Previous fact-checking experience is a strong advantage. 📄 APPLICATION PROCEDUREInterested candidates should send the following: DEADLINE:All applications must be submitted electronically in the email address below no later than May 14, 2025. 📧 Submit applications by email to: info@ipcng.org📌 Subject Line: Application – Reporter (Abuja) OR Application – Fact-Checker (Lagos) GENERAL INFORMATIONAll positions are for a fixed term of 12 months with performance obligations as may be contained in the letter of engagement/Term of Reference, subject to review for renewal, as may be applicable.IPC is an equal opportunity organization. Women and young media professionals are especially encouraged to apply.

Press Release For Immediate Release Lagos, Nigeria – September 9, 2024 In preparation for the Ondo state off-cycle governorship election, the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) will from tomorrow Tuesday September 10, 2024, host series of dialogue and stakeholders’ engagement with the objective of ensuring fair, ethical, and inclusive coverage of the electoral processes by the media and peaceful conduct by the citizens. These initiatives are part of Component 4: Support to Media under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EUSDGNII) project. This project seeks to strengthen democratic consolidation in Nigeria through professional and responsible media coverage of elections. The activities align with the recommendations of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Nigeria, which focus on improving media performance during elections. This includes adherence to the Electoral Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. IPC’s Media and Election Stakeholders Dialogue, scheduled for September 10 & 11, 2024, will concentrate on ensuring that media and election stakeholders carry out their roles with accountability and responsibility. The dialogue will address early warning signals related to the socio-political context of the Ondo elections and include discussions on enhancing media practices in reporting electoral campaigns and the elections themselves. In collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State chapter, IPC will engage participants on critical issues affecting the elections, such as the need for inclusive, issue-focused, and gender-sensitive reporting. The sessions will also include interactions with institutional stakeholders including the Ondo State INEC, the Ondo State Police Command, and the Ondo State National Orientation Agency. These discussions will further emphasise the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure journalist safety, a violence-free election, and effective civic/voter education. Following this, CEMESO will conduct media engagements and appearances on TV and radio on September 12 & 13, 2024. These engagements will focus on off-season election issues such as voter and civic education, monitoring electoral bodies’ preparations, managing political interferences, and ensuring balanced and detailed programming for Election Day. Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, said: “Off-season elections often face challenges of low public engagement and visibility, therefore, dynamic dialogues between media and election stakeholders are vital to maintain transparency, accountability, and public awareness. By fostering these collaborations, the media can effectively fulfill its watchdog role, provide accurate information, and stimulate citizen participation, ultimately strengthening the democratic process.” Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, added: “Effective interaction with media and election stakeholders is essential for a successful electoral process. By addressing key issues such as electoral reforms, voter rights, and media responsibilities, we aim to ensure these topics remain central to public discourse. This helps enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process and leverages the media’s role in fostering a well-informed electorate, ultimately upholding the overall integrity of the electoral process.” The media programs, which will also involve stakeholder analysis of voter education issues within the framework of the off-season election, will engage up to 60 journalists from broadcast, print, and online media. These journalists will be covering the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 2024. SGD:Olutoyin AyoadeCommunications OfficerComponent 4 (Support to Media)EUSDGN II Projecttayoade@ipcng.org

Press Release AUGUST 1 PROTESTS: IPC URGES JOURNALISTS TO TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS…ANNOUNCES HELPLINE For immediate release, July 31, 2024 In view of the planned nation-wide protests scheduled to commence on Thursday, August 1, 2024, the International Press Centre, Lagos-Nigeria has tasked journalists and other media professionals who may be on duty to adopt necessary safety measures to avoid attacks. The protests, which according to the organisers, is scheduled to hold across the thirty-six (36) states of the country and the FCT, August 1 – 10, 2024, is aimed at pushing for a transformative change, demanding a more equitable society with effective leadership, affordable food, zero hunger and a reduced cost of living. The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said the admonition to journalists has become necessary in the light of previous experiences when journalists were assaulted in the course of legitimate duty. “We urge all journalists and media practitioners who will be on the field to cover the anticipated nation-wide protests to adopt and implement safety measures while carrying out their activities professionally,” Mr. Arogundade said. “Journalists who are to cover the protests should ensure that they are fully kitted and have their identification card clearly displayed in order to avoid situations wherein security agencies may mistake them as protesters and avoid a situation that would make the security agencies to question them, unduly harass, or bar them from performing their duties,” he added. He also enjoined other stakeholders, especially the security agencies to undertake the performance of their tasks in a civil and responsible manner. “The security forces should note that the media plays a critical role in the information dissemination chain and are obligated to professionally carry out their task in reporting societal events, hence they be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them carry out their social obligations. The media should be seen as partners in progress and not as adversaries”, Mr. Arogundade stressed. IPC is also calling on the public, including protesters, to recognise the crucial role the media plays by protecting and supporting them as they report critical events during the protest. It should be noted that IPC, during the 2023 general elections launched a safety and professional advisory for the purpose of ensuring journalists who are covering events and discharging their duties are fully equipped with safety tools and precautions to engage with while on the field.  This safety advisory regarding the proposed protest is therefore in line with IPC’s mandate to engender the safety of journalists under the IPC SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS INITIATIVE. PDF Version of the advisory is available @ https://www.ipcng.org/2023-general-elections/ In cases of any incident of attacks or harassment that journalist encounter while covering the protests they can reach us through IPC’s Safety Alert Desk Helpline – 08132776441 SGD: Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

IPC TRAINS 160 BLOGGERS AND ONLINE JOURNALISTS ON CONFLICT-SENSITIVE REPORTING…. INEC LEADERSHIP TO SERVE AS SPECIAL GUESTS For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 11, 2023 Ahead of the February 2023 general elections, a one-day skill-enhancing virtual workshop for 40 bloggers and online journalists in the southern part of the country on conflict-sensitive reporting is scheduled to be held tomorrow 12 January 2023. 40 bloggers from the Northern part will be trained next Tuesday making a total of 80 before the 2023 general elections. The workshop is facilitated by the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria implementing partner with the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) within component 4 (Support to media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase II (EUSDGN II) project. The EU funded virtual workshop aims to mitigate the spread of hate speech and the harmful effects of unethical and insensitive reportage of the 2023 Nigeria electoral processes, by supporting the media professionals in the acquisition of ethical and conflict-sensitive reporting skills. In a statement, the Executive Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “In achieving credible elections in the face of several ongoing national economic, environmental, and security challenges, the major stakeholder, the media have the responsibility of integrating a conflict-sensitive approach in their electoral reports “. The Executive Director added that “Moreover, the complex nature of the online journalism and its effects on the spread of electoral hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, further validates the necessity for the IPC initiative in building the capacity of the online journalists to acquire the necessary skills to accomplish fair and balanced election reports which also helps to mitigate violent conflict”. The beneficiaries at the virtual event shall include online Journalists and bloggers some of whom are members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, (GOCOP) who will be involved in reporting the 2023 elections online. The Thursday event shall be moderated by Ms. Maureen Chigbo, President of GOCOP while Dr Qasim Akinreti, Deputy Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria, Abuja, and Prof. Muyiwa Popoola, Professor of Journalism, Communication and Media Studies, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo shall serve as facilitators. Special guests Mr. Ayo Aluko, Director of Voter Education, INEC and Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of INEC are also expected to give goodwill messages during the engagement. The specific objective of the EU funded programme is to ensure that, “The Media, including New and Social Media, provides fair, accurate, ethical and inclusive coverage of the Electoral Process”. SGD: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer Component 4 (Support to Media) EUSDGN II Project tayoade@ipcng.org