The International Press Centre (IPC) has launched an artificial intelligence-powered incident-reporting system to enhance the safety of journalists covering the Osun State governorship election.
The platform, known as WAFLO, is a WhatsApp-enabled tool designed to help journalists report, document, and monitor threats, harassment, attacks, and other incidents that may occur during election coverage.
Speaking during the launch in Osogbo, IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade said the initiative was introduced to strengthen the protection of media professionals and promote a safer environment for election reporting.
According to IPC, the system will allow journalists to submit reports in real time, enabling faster documentation and response to incidents affecting media personnel before, during and after the election.
The deployment comes amid growing concerns over the safety of journalists covering electoral processes and increasing efforts by media development organisations to improve monitoring and accountability mechanisms during elections.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to broader efforts to safeguard press freedom and support credible election coverage in Osun State.
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In recent months, stakeholders in the media and electoral sectors have emphasised the need for journalists to utilise digital tools and emerging technologies to combat misinformation and strengthen the quality of election reporting. Media organisations and civil society groups have also stepped up programmes focused on fact-checking and verifying election-related information ahead of the governorship poll.
The Osun governorship election is regarded as one of the most closely watched state elections in Nigeria this year, with political parties intensifying campaigns across the state.
IPC said the deployment of the AI-powered reporting system forms part of its broader efforts to support journalists and promote professional, safe and responsible election coverage.
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