The Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State, is set to train over 50 journalists and media practitioners ahead of the 2027 general elections as part of activities marking its 2026 Press Week.
The three-day programme, scheduled to hold from Wednesday, November 4, to Friday, November 6, 2026, at Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre, BCA Road, Umuahia, will feature a two-day professional retreat, and a grand finale designed to strengthen the capacity of journalists for credible, ethical and responsible election reporting.
The retreat, with the theme “The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation: Preparing Abia Media Practitioners for Democracy and the 2027 Polls,” is expected to equip participants with essential professional skills and digital tools to navigate the increasingly complex media landscape, particularly in the face of rising misinformation, disinformation, deepfakes and the misuse of Artificial Intelligence.
Participants will be exposed to critical areas of contemporary journalism, including the responsible application of AI in news reporting, fact-checking and verification of political claims, ethical election coverage, media safety, hate speech, inflammatory political communication and the role of the media in promoting peaceful, credible and issue-based elections.
The retreat is expected to feature distinguished resource persons, including the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Abia State, Prof. Sylvia Uchenna Agu; Abia State Commissioner of Police, AIG Wilfred Afolabi; and first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, Professor Stella Okunna.
Others include veteran journalist and former Secretary to State Government, SSG Abia State, Pastor Ralph Egbu; Chief Medical Director, CMD, Abia Specialist Hospital, Dr Chimezie Okwuonu; and a digital expert, Chibueze Ukaegbu.
A joint release by the Chairman of the Chapel, Deacon Steve Oko; and Secretary Henrietta Ashikodi; as well as Chairman of the Planning Committee, Peter Okore; and Secretary, Leonard Okachie; said a keynote speech would be delivered by the Rector Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, Professor Christopher Okoro.
According to the release, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Professor Uwaoma Uche will chair the grand finale of the event which will feature a political debate by National Assembly candidates from various political parties on November 6.
The release said the programme was conceived in response to the growing demands of election reporting in an era where digital manipulation and the proliferation of false information pose serious threats to democratic processes.
It noted that credible elections and functional democracy depend substantially on an informed electorate, accurate information and a professionally equipped media capable of holding political actors accountable.
The release said the Chapel was determined to ensure that journalists in Abia were adequately prepared to confront the challenges of the 2027 elections through continuous training, professional development and strict adherence to ethical standards.
According to the release, the political debate cum manifesto presentation by the national assembly candidates is to provide them an opportunity to present their programmes and policy proposals to the electorate through the Chapel’s media platforms.
The release said the initiative was designed to promote political neutrality, equal media access and issue-based engagement, while empowering voters with the information required to make informed electoral choices.
It further said the event would also feature the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to leadership, public service and sports.
The honourees include the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON; Prof. Nnenna Oti; and Super Eagles international, Samuel Chukwueze.
According to the release, the Press Week will underscore the critical role of journalism in democratic development, particularly as the country approaches another electoral cycle, while reaffirming the Chapel’s commitment to credible reporting, accountability and peaceful political participation.
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