The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, has hosted a media professional and author Mr. Segun Ojumu during a courtesy visit to his office.
The visit provided an opportunity for an interaction and the presentation of Mr. Ojumu’s newly published book, which documents the experiences of journalists who have covered elections in Nigeria over several decades.
Mr. Ojumu explained that the book was conceived during his tenure as President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Press Corps, which comprises over 100 journalists from various media organisations across the country.
He said the publication features first-hand accounts from journalists who have reported electoral processes over the years, including those who began covering elections long before his entry into the profession.
According to the author, the book highlights the realities of election reporting in Nigeria, including logistical difficulties, professional hazards, and instances where journalists faced serious personal risks in the line of duty.
He noted that some contributors recounted assignments that turned life-threatening, drawing attention to the sacrifices journalists often make in the service of democracy.
“The publication also documents the evolution of Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly the development of election management technologies from earlier systems to more advanced voter accreditation methods. It further offers practical guidance for journalists preparing to cover elections, based on lessons drawn from field experiences since 2015.”
Mr. Ojumu stressed the importance of documentation and record-keeping, noting that several photographs used in the book were retrieved from long-preserved digital archives. He described this as a reminder of the value of institutional memory in preserving historical records.
In his remarks, Mr. Ebienfa commended Mr. Ojumu for the discipline and intellectual commitment required to undertake such scholarly work.
He described authorship as a demanding task that exposes one’s work to public and historical scrutiny, noting that the effort deserves recognition.
The Spokesperson also acknowledged the sensitivity of Nigeria’s electoral process and described the decision to document journalists’ experiences within that space as an act of professional courage.
Reflecting on his long-standing professional relationship with Mr. Ojumu, he noted that the author’s career reflects the broader evolution of Nigeria’s media landscape.
Mr. Ebienfa observed that emerging and smaller media organisations are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping public discourse through digital innovation, complementing traditional media institutions. He added that changing news consumption patterns, especially among younger audiences, have placed pressure on legacy media to adapt.
He assured Mr. Ojumu of the Ministry’s appreciation for his contribution to media scholarship and encouraged him to continue documenting issues of national importance.
The Spokesperson reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continued engagement with media professionals in support of ethical journalism, democratic accountability, and Nigeria’s international image.
