By Stella Nwofia and Okpanachi Gloria Anambra INEC Team Poses for a Group Photograph During the Workshop In a context where titles are frequently emphasised, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, stated, “Knowledge is my currency—certificates are just decoration.” She made this remark during
By Stella Nwofia and Okpanachi Gloria
Anambra INEC Team Poses for a Group Photograph During the Workshop
In a context where titles are frequently emphasised, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, stated, “Knowledge is my currency—certificates are just decoration.” She made this remark during the Fact-Checking and Tracking Workshop for INEC Anambra personnel in Asaba, Delta State, on August 20–21, 2025. The comment reflects her perspective on the value of knowledge versus formal credentials within the framework of electoral governance in Nigeria.
The workshop was organised as an activity within Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) project, with the International Press Centre (IPC) as the lead implementing partner.
Dr Agwu participated in the two-day training actively and attentively, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning. She engaged with facilitators of all ages and backgrounds, exemplifying leadership through her openness and commitment to professional development. Her conduct highlighted that women in positions of authority can balance decisiveness with empathy.
At the digital literacy and fact-checking workshop, she demonstrated active engagement, thoughtful analysis, and left with enhanced confidence. She expressed, “I will no longer remain passive while others affect my reputation or institution on social media. I am now able to identify misinformation, communicate my narrative, and protect my organisation.” She now regards technology as a valuable resource for promoting truth, transparency, and positive change.
Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, Anambra REC.
Her leadership at INEC Anambra is notably gender aware. She boosted confidence among all Electoral Officers, promoted integrity, and fostered a professional work culture. By empowering her staff—especially women—to act ethically and speak confidently, she balances supportive guidance with firm advocacy for justice.
Whether presiding over the court-ordered supplementary election in Enugu South or managing sensitive electoral operations in Anambra, Dr Agwu has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to impartiality. She stated, “This result can be challenged at any level. I stand by it as the original.” Dr Agwu maintains her resolve under pressure, resists political influence, and upholds principles of truth and integrity.
Before her tenure, INEC Anambra staff were less visible and generally cautious in their public engagement. Currently, under her leadership, INEC staff regularly participate in public forums, utilise social media platforms for information dissemination, and conduct press briefings as part of standard procedure. Integrity has been emphasised as an organisational value. Dr Agwu’s leadership has contributed to changes in the approach and engagement of the team with both internal and external stakeholders.
She has also significantly improved the public image of INEC in Anambra. “When I assumed my position, staff attire did not adhere to professional standards. She noted, “I explained that one’s attire influences how others perceive them. Currently, individuals of all genders are mindful of their appearance.”
“Before I came, the community took INEC for granted. They would bully and cajole staff into doing what they shouldn’t. But today, my staff—especially the female EOs—can stand on their own and reject anything that compromises their integrity.”
Dr Agwu has not only served as REC but has also actively supported her community by assessing their needs and providing both moral guidance and leadership to promote ethical standards. She noted that INEC representatives in Anambra now operate transparently and confidently. In the most recent election, participants demonstrated awareness and engagement in their responsibilities, which she identified as key accomplishments.
After attending the two-day training, my team and I have acquired skills to engage more effectively with social media and press briefings. Previously, these areas were less familiar, and there was some reluctance to participate. Following the training, the team is better prepared to interact with the press, discuss INEC and its mission, and represent our work in public forums. INEC Anambra is working towards establishing a stronger digital presence, aiming to connect with citizens, promote dialogue, and communicate our activities more clearly.
Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu is an accomplished Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) recognised for her exemplary leadership, knowledge, and integrity. She demonstrates that effective leadership grounded in expertise and ethical standards can drive meaningful institutional change.
Empowered for Impact: Reflections from the IPC Workshop
Dr Patricia Iwu, INEC Anambra State Training Officer, thanks the European Union, IPC, and DAI for supporting the training workshop, and also acknowledges Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, Resident Electoral Commissioner, for the opportunity to participate. As a Training Officer, this workshop highlighted how essential technology is to our work. The skills I’ve gained will support my training efforts across all INEC personnel, both for elections and general capacity-building.
It’s important to share what we’ve learned with those absent, so the whole team benefits and INEC Anambra State advances both technologically and professionally.
Over the years, I have held positions such as Electoral Officer, Assistant Electoral Officer in operations, cluster, and administration. Currently, I serve as a Training Officer. The experience gained in these roles provides me with tools to support the professional development of staff and stakeholders as they adapt to the requirements of the electoral landscape.
Technology is shaping our world, and I’m glad to be part of this progress. Thanks to the European Union, IPC, DAI, all facilitators, organisers, and colleagues for this valuable opportunity—I look forward to applying what I’ve learned.
As the INEC Anambra State Public Relations Officer, the experience has provided valuable insights that will benefit my personal growth and professional role. This training provided resources for navigating digital platforms, particularly for using social media in communication. It prepared me for upcoming responsibilities.
INEC has greatly contributed to my development, and with our Resident Electoral Commissioner’s leadership, we stay dedicated to performing our duties with integrity. Thank you.
Participation in this program has provided Eya Vivian Ukamaka, PWD Officer at INEC, Anambra State, with knowledge about navigating social media with discernment. She notes that she plans to apply greater caution when evaluating information online and to differentiate between credible sources and misleading content. The workshop also addressed aspects of social listening and emphasised the use of respectful, inclusive language on digital platforms.
One of the notable points for her was discovering the “OSINT ESSENTIALS” platform, which she intends to explore further. With access to research tools and options to connect and verify information, she is prepared to utilise these resources.
As a PWD Desk Officer, Eya Vivian Ukamaka expresses deep appreciation to her honourable REC for entrusting her with a role that aligns with her passion. Thanks to prior trainings and the support she’s received, the recent test-run of the Anambra State Senatorial election saw a remarkable turnout of persons with disabilities—an achievement she attributes to improved engagement strategies.
She looks forward to applying the lessons learned and continuing to advocate for inclusive practices within the Commission.
For Chukwurah Frances, Head of Logistics at INEC Anambra State, the experience has been truly enlightening, especially the sessions on fact-checking and information tracking. Before now, she believed such tasks required sophisticated tools—but discovering that it can be done right from a mobile phone was a revelation. Going forward, she is committed to applying fact-checking techniques not only in her professional duties but also in her personal communications and information management.
She also acknowledges the European Union for funding this two-day training, which has made a significant impact on all participants. The knowledge gained will undoubtedly shape how they engage with information and carry out their responsibilities.
Eruchalu Mercy Ukamaka, Desk Officer at INEC Anambra State, says with the knowledge gained, she now feels empowered to connect with gender-focused communities through social media—not just through physical interactions. This digital access opens new doors for encouraging greater participation in the electoral process, including voter education and civic engagement. She is grateful for the opportunity and looks forward to applying these insights to strengthen inclusive communication and outreach efforts within her role at INEC.
