The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Monday, 12 January 2025, hosted media executive and author, Mr. Segun Ojumu, in his office in an engagement that underscored the importance of documentation, media evolution and journalism’s role in democratic governance.
The meeting provided an avenue for professional 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. The publication drawn from the collective experiences of members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Press Corps, a body of over 100 journalists from across the country, which Mr. Ojumu once served as president.
Mr. Ojumu explained that the book captured first-hand accounts of election coverage, highlighting the logistical challenges, professional hazards and personal risks journalists often face in the line of duty. He noted that some contributors recounted assignments that escalated into life-threatening situations, reflecting the sacrifices made by journalists in the public interest.
He added that the work also traced the institutional evolution of INEC, particularly the development of election management and voter accreditation technologies, while offering practical guidance for journalists preparing to cover elections. The book draws from field experiences spanning several electoral cycles since 2015.
Emphasizing the value of documentation, Mr. Ojumu revealed that many of the photographs used in the book were sourced from carefully preserved digital archives, describing this as a reminder of the importance of institutional memory and responsible record-keeping.
In his remarks, Mr. Ebienfa commended the author for the intellectual discipline and courage required to undertake scholarly documentation, described authorship as a demanding task that exposes one’s work to public scrutiny across generations. He noted that documenting journalists’ experiences within Nigeria’s sensitive electoral space was an act of professional bravery.
The Spokesperson also reflected on his long-standing professional relationship with Mr. Ojumu, observed that his career trajectory mirrored broader transformations in Nigeria’s media landscape. He noted that emerging media platforms are increasingly shaping public discourse through speed, accessibility and digital innovation, complementing traditional media institutions.
According to him, digital and social media have significantly altered news consumption patterns, particularly among younger audiences, placing pressure on legacy media models to adapt. He stressed that the growth of smaller and emerging media organisations should be encouraged, as many established media houses began as modest initiatives.
Mr. Ebienfa assured Mr. Ojumu of the Ministry’s appreciation for his contribution to media scholarship and public documentation, expressed hope for further publications and sustained collaboration with media professionals committed to ethical journalism and national development.
The engagement ended with both parties expressing confidence that collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the media community would continue to deepen in support of informed public discourse, democratic accountability and Nigeria’s international image.
