The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has charged journalists across the country to make political manifestos a focal point of election coverage, saying this will ensure greater accountability and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Issa-Onilu made the call in Lagos during the 9th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where he lamented that media discourse often tilts toward sensationalism rather than substance.
He noted that manifestos are critical instruments that shape governance direction and influence democratic outcomes.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s campaign manifesto was the product of months of painstaking work and embodies a reform-driven agenda anchored on technology and innovation.
Delivering the keynote address, former Katsina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, emphasized the importance of sincerity and strategic planning in translating campaign promises into governance realities.
Also speaking, elder statesman Chief Bode George urged political leaders to ensure that national resources are deployed for the collective welfare of citizens.
In her contribution, Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika commended the media for its role in promoting transparency and accountability, adding that social media remains a powerful tool in amplifying citizens’ voices.
Outgoing GOCOP President, Maureen Chigbo, expressed appreciation to members for their cooperation during her tenure.
She noted that the Guild had recorded significant progress in professionalism and credibility, and charged the incoming leadership to sustain the high ethical standards that define GOCOP’s operations.
