GOCOP, IPC sign MoU on advancing inclusive reporting of gender issues in democratic process

*The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers and International Press Centre ink a Memorandum of Understanding to advance inclusive reporting of gender issues in Nigeria’s democratic and electoral process

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and the International Press Centre (IPC) Monday, November 3, 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (IoU) to advance inclusive reporting of gender issues in Nigeria’s democratic and electoral process.

Mr. Danlami Nmodu, mni, President of GOCOP, signed on behalf of the Guild, while Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, signed on behalf of IPC.

Monday’s ceremony came after the IPC’s earlier consultative session with GOCOP leadership Friday, May 30, in Abuja, FCT.

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In his brief remarks before the MoU signing, Nmodu said GOCOP’s decision to collaborate with the IPC formed part of the Guild’s commitment to promoting inclusiveness and gender equality in Nigeria.

The President of GOCOP also recalled that the collaboration between GOCOP and IPC commenced during the tenure of Dr. Maureen Chigbo, the first female President of the Guild.

He also noted that under his leadership, the Guild would fully implement the MoU as part of its pledge to improve the visibility of women and other minority groups, such as Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), in politics and governance.

Nmodu equally assured that the leadership of GOCOP would spearhead the engagement of women, promote women’s voices, and focus on the sensitisation of female voters on politics, governance, accountability and transparency.

Speaking on promoting trust in the electoral process, he stated that in order to promote citizens’ trust, elected public office-holders must meet the expectations of the electorate.

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The President as well assured that GOCOP members would prioritise the reportage of the implementation of the manifestoes of elected candidates, and the promises made during campaigns.

Nmodu further said: “We believe that the signing of this MoU is coming at the right time; we’ve just had a change of leadership.

“The new Executive is determined to ensure that this partnership between GOCOP and IPC works.

“At GOCOP, we are committed to deepening the reportage of gender issues. We are determined to ensure that we engage, sensitise and enlighten women on elections, governance and other issues of national importance.

“All of these are to ensure that we widen the scope of female participation in all spheres of society.”

Arogundade, IPC Executive Director, in his remarks, explained that the MoUs signed with GOCOP and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) are targeted at ensuring inclusivity, accountability and transparency in the electoral process.

He called on GOCOP and NAWOJ to lead the push for impartial election monitoring and reportage.

According to him, the media should also scrutinise elected government officials, taking them to task on campaign promises.

He said: “As Nigeria approaches the 2027 General Elections, discussions regarding electoral trust and stakeholder confidence have become increasingly prominent.

Arogundade added: “A critical factor in the discourse is the understanding that the integrity of any election is determined not only by its final outcomes, but also by the process that precedes them, including voter registration, vote collation and the subsequent announcement of results.”

Earlier in her speech, Aisha Bura Ibrahim, National Chairperson of NAWOJ, expressed the readiness of the Association to amplify the position of women in politics and governance.

Ibrahim advocated credible elections even as she reiterated NAWOJ’s commitment to improving the reportage of issues affecting women in the country.

She stated the need to train and retrain female journalists, improve newsroom management to expand the opportunities for female reporters as we all the widening of access to platforms, such as the agreement between NAWOJ and IPC presented.

Ibrahim noted: “NAWOJ insists that inclusive elections are trusted elections. Women must be visible as voters, candidates, election observers, and commentators.

“By amplifying women’s voices, NAWOJ promotes broader social trust and legitimacy in democracy.”

The National Chairperson of the Association also stated: “NAWOJ urges electoral bodies, security agencies, and political parties to maintain openness, fairness, and communication with the public. Transparency in vote counting, result transmission, and dispute resolution is essential for restoring public confidence.”

Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who also spoke at the event, commended IPC, GOCOP and NAWOJ for taking the bold step to increase the visibility of women in the media.

Ajaero urged the media to stand with the people and not to serve as the megaphone of the government.

He maintained that the media must serve as the compass to guide the nation, especially in critical moments such as the general elections.

SP Orvenonne Ikwen, Strategic Communications Officer, Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, in Abuja, who represented the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at the meeting, said the Police would collaborate with the media to deliver on a peaceful and credible elections come 2027.

Stakeholders were also presented with IPC’s report on Safeguarding Electoral Integrity For Democratic Consolidation.

The report is a component of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) as executed by IPC, stated Yesufu.

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