*As Ojumu Presents Book Documenting Journalists Experiences Covering Elections in Nigeria
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s openness to sustained collaboration with media professionals committed to ethical journalism and national development.
He spoke on Monday 12th January 2025 while hosting media professional and author, Mr. Segun Ojumu, in his office.
A statement by the media office said the engagement provided an opportunity for reflection, professional exchange, and the presentation of a newly published book documenting the experience of journalists who have covered elections in Nigeria over several decades.
The author Mr. Ojumu explained that the publication emerged from his tenure as President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Press Corps, a body comprising over one hundred journalists drawn from diverse media platforms across the country.
He noted that the book chronicled first-hand accounts of election coverage by journalists, some of whom began reporting electoral processes long before his own entry into the profession.
The publication encapsulated experiences ranging from logistical challenges and professional hazards to moments of personal risk encountered in the course of duty...
He highlighted that several contributors shared narratives of election assignments that escalated into life-threatening situations, underscoring the often-unseen sacrifices journalists make in service of the public.
The book also traces the institutional evolution of INEC, including developments in election management technologies, from earlier systems to the introduction of more advanced voter accreditation processes.
In addition, it offered practical guidance for journalists preparing to cover elections, drawing from lessons learned during field assignments since 2015.
Mr. Ojumu further emphasized the importance of documentation and record-keeping, noting that many of the photographs included in the book were retrieved from long-preserved digital archives.
He described this as a reminder of the value of institutional memory and personal responsibility in preserving historical records.
In his remarks, the Spokesperson, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa welcomed Mr. Ojumu and commended him for the intellectual courage and discipline required to undertake scholarly documentation.
He described authorship as a demanding endeavour that exposes one’s work to public scrutiny across generations, noting that such commitment to scholarship is worthy of recognition.
He further acknowledged the sensitivity and complexity surrounding electoral processes in Nigeria and described the decision to document journalists’ experiences within that space as an act of professional bravery.
The Spokesperson reflected on his long-standing professional relationship with Mr. Ojumu, tracing their engagement through various media platforms over the years.
He observed that the evolution of Mr. Ojumu’s career reflected broader transformations within Nigeria’s media landscape, where many emerging media organisations are redefining information dissemination through speed, accessibility, and digital innovation.
He emphasized that smaller and emerging media platforms now play an increasingly influential role in shaping public discourse, complementing traditional media institutions.
According to him, many established media organisations began as modest initiatives, and the growth of new platforms should therefore be encouraged rather than dismissed.
He noted that digital media and social platforms have fundamentally altered news consumption patterns, particularly among younger audiences, placing pressure on legacy media models to adapt.
The Spokesperson assured Mr. Ojumu of the Ministry’s appreciation for his contribution to media scholarship and public documentation, expressing hope that the publication would not be the last.
He also encouraged continued intellectual engagement.
The engagement concluded on a note of mutual appreciation, with both parties expressing confidence that professional collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the media community would continue to deepen in support of informed public discourse, democratic accountability, and Nigeria’s international image.