Lokoja – A former Executive Director of programmes at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mrs Eugenia Abu, has urged the media to focus more on voter education as the 2023 general elections draw near.
Abu who stated this on Thursday while delivering the 5th convocation lecture of the Salem University, Lokoja, said this has become necessary to encourage mass voters turn out during the elections.
Speaking on the topic: “Beyond the 2023 Elections: The Role of the Media In Deepening Democracy in Nigeria,” Abu decried the lukewarm attitude of Nigerians to the coming elections, saying it is “unhealthy” for the nation’s democratic process.
Abu, who is the Managing Partner/CEO, the Eugenia Abu Media, frowned at a situation whereby Big Brother Nigeria, a television entertainment Programme could garnered over three billion votes at a go against 96 million votes garnered in four different election circles in the country.
“This goes to show that the media has to do more on voter education to sensitise the public, particularly the youths to come out en masse and participate in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
“It’s very important that the youths be told that they must participate in our democratic process by showing up and showing up quickly to vote when it’s time to vote.
“The media too, in carrying out their duty should not engage in selective reporting and promotion of prejudiced stereotypes about groups and individuals not to cause empathy,
“More important too, government at every level must enable the media to be robust and active for maximum results on all sides.
“This is because beyond the 2023 elections, the media must be determined to deepen democracy outside the election cycle, ” she said.
The media expert further said that “deepening democracy beyond the 2023 election must be for the Nigerian media as a noble duty, a task and a responsibility.”
Highlight of the convocation lecture was the formal inaugural launching of Salem University Television (SUTV) by the guest lecturer. (vitalnewsngr.com)
