Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, has played host to media professional and author Segun Ojumu in order to discuss the evolving role of journalism in Nigeria’s democratic governance and the importance of institutional documentation.
The engagement, which was held at the Ministry’s headquarters, featured the presentation of a new book authored by Mr. Ojumu.
The publication chronicles the first-hand experiences of journalists covering Nigerian elections over several decades, highlighting the logistical challenges, professional hazards, and personal risks inherent in reporting on the nation’s electoral processes.
Mr. Ojumu, the former President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Press Corps, explained that the book serves as a historical record of election management.
He noted that the content traces the institutional growth of INEC, specifically the transition from manual systems to advanced technological voter accreditation.
”The publication encapsulates experiences ranging from logistical challenges to moments of personal risk,” Ojumu stated, adding that the work also offers a practical guide for younger journalists based on lessons gathered since 2015.
In his response, Mr. Ebienfa praised the author’s “intellectual courage,” noting that documenting such a sensitive area of national life is an act of professional bravery.
He emphasized that authorship creates a lasting legacy that subjects work to public scrutiny across generations, a commitment he described as worthy of official recognition.
The meeting also touched upon the rapid transformation of the Nigerian media landscape.
The Spokesperson observed that digital innovation and the rise of emerging media platforms are fundamentally altering news consumption, particularly among youth.
He urged traditional legacy media to adapt to these shifts while encouraging the growth of smaller platforms that drive speed and accessibility in information dissemination.
The engagement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with media professionals.
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