2019: US to train 100 Nigerian Editors, political reporters

The United States of America has expressed its willingness to train not less than 100 Editors and political reporters in Nigeria ahead of the 2019 elections in the country.
The Consul General of the United States of America in Nigeria, John Bray, made this known on Thursday in Lagos at a 2018 World Press Freedom Day event.
Bray, who revealed that he was once a reporter, said: “As the 2019 election draws near, the US Mission supports your efforts to provide objective and balanced reporting to the Nigerian people.
“To this end, my Public Affairs team here in Lagos led by Darcy Zotter is putting together an election reporting training for 100 political reporters and editors.
“This training scheduled will be held in four cities across southern Nigeria, and will be co-facilitated by Voice of America’s Director of International Media Training and a renowned Nigerian journalism professor.
“This support is designed to help the media further appreciate their huge responsibility of reporting accurately on elections and electoral processes.”
The event, which had as speakers and discussants a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Chidi Odinkalu; Prof. Femi Mimiko, Professor of Political Science and former Vice-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State; the President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Funke Egbemode; the Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr. Qasim Akinreti; and the Zonal Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Zone 2 Command, Superintendent of Police Dolapo Badmus, had as theme: “Media and the Transparency of the 2019 Election.”
Bray said from his conversations with Nigerian spanning 17 states, he was convinced the country’s democracy remains vibrant.
He added: “Peaceful and credible elections are essential to Nigeria’s continued economic, political, and social development so I am interested in your discussion today on media and the transparence of the 2019 election.
“Nigeria plays a vital role on the world stage and as the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria’s stability is crucial to the security and economic prosperity of the rest of the continent.
“Nigeria’s future is full of promise and opportunity.
“The US Government is dedicated to supporting Nigerians in ensuring that the 2019 elections will be transparent, credible, and peaceful.”