The International Press Centre, IPC, has announced the deployment of a WhatsApp-enabled artificial intelligence incident reporting system to monitor and document attacks against journalists during the Osun State governorship election.
IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, disclosed this during a press conference on Friday in Osogbo. He said the system is known as WAFLO.
Arogundade disclosed that WAFLO will be deployed as a pilot scheme during the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
He said, “The technology is designed to facilitate the real-time reporting, verification, documentation and monitoring of incidents affecting journalists and press freedom during the poll.”
He said the initiative would cover incidents including assault, threats and other infringements on the rights and freedom of journalists carrying out their professional duties during the election.
“The fundamental goal of WAFLO is to ensure that incidents affecting journalists do not go unnoticed or unreported,” Arogudade added.
According to him, the platform would enable journalists to report safety concerns as they occur, thereby providing stakeholders with information needed to respond promptly to threats, assaults and other incidents.
“WAFLO would subsequently be upgraded and expanded for full deployment during the 2027 general elections, following its pilot implementation in Osun State,” he added.
Arogudade said the initiative was part of Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase Two, EU-SDGNII, Programme, implemented by IPC and the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO.
He said the programme was being implemented in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, to develop a broader framework for journalists’ safety during elections.
“WAFLO therefore hopes to complement and reinforce existing EU-SDGNII Component 4 initiatives including the hub’s safety of journalists desk,” he said.
Arogudade urged journalists to use the WAFLO reporting channel through the SafeMedia WhatsApp prompt or by sending “safemedia” by text message to 0805 877 8053.
He also encouraged journalists to make use of designated hotlines and comply with the tips contained in the IPC Safety Advisory.
He advised journalists covering the election to remain properly accredited and carry their identification cards, press or media tags and other relevant credentials at all times to minimise unnecessary questioning, identity checks and possible obstruction by security personnel.
The IPC Executive Director also called on security agencies, political actors, election stakeholders and other authorities to respect journalists’ constitutional and professional responsibilities.
“We call on the security agencies, political actors, election stakeholders and other relevant authorities to respect the rights of journalists to perform their constitutional and professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or undue interference,” he said.
The IPC also acknowledged the Osun NUJ leadership for supporting the technology-driven approach to documenting and responding to attacks on journalists.