Media
NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel, partners ICIR to train over 100 Journalists
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting ( ICIR ) in collaboration with the FCT Correspondents’ Chapel has commenced training of 100 journalists on data journalism, fact checking, open source investigation, mobile and multimedia journalism among others.
The Master Class training is designed to expose journalists to the fundamentals, principles and rudiments of modern day journalism instead of conventional way of storytelling and narrative journalism.
The training program is part of an initiative by the newly inaugurated executive of the Chapel sworn in on 21st of May 2022, to build the capacity of its members while carrying out their statutory assignments.
The training which was held virtually on Saturday in Abuja is also aimed at addressing the growing menace of fake news, misinformation and disinformation in the country.
About 100 working journalists from different media organisations ranging from the print, broadcast and online platforms participated in the online training and this will continue in batches in the months of August, September 2022.
The classes have been scheduled as follows ; Saturday August 6tth, Saturday August 20th, Saturday September 3rd and Saturday September 17th.
The guest speaker who is also a lecturer of Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Mr Sam Ejiwunmi urged media practitioners to always observe the ethics of the profession and avoid rushing to break unverified news.
The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche in his goodwill message at the flag off of the training said the union is excited with the training on multimedia and data journalism by the ICIR adding that this would broaden the horizon, capacity and skills of journalists in credible and accurate reporting.
According to him ” With the influence on technology on journalism, a multimedia knowhow as well as data is critical and it is our expectation at the NUJ that this training will help in providing credible and accurate reporting for our colleagues ”
On his part the NUJ, FCT Correspondents Chapel Chairman, Mr. Jide Oyekunle urged members to take advantage of the training to enrich and validate their reportorial skills and knowledge.
He also called on members to see the training as effective weapon and tool to fight against proliferation of fake news which has now become the bane of the profession.
Oyekunle said ” the training is coming at the right time when the political activities line up for the 2023 general elections are about to commence couple with the rising insecurity in the country”.
He said ” Misapplication of the journalistic Race Against Time (RAT) is one of the reasons for the rapid spread of disinformation and misinformation in Nigeria.
“Also the on race against time even by trained journalists who want to be first to break the news.
“Lack of patience and resilience to get accurate information before disseminating information has embarrassed so many “experienced” journalists.
He therefore called on members to give priority to accuracy instead of speed adding that journalists should strive to break story that would promote and shape the unity of the country.
The Editor of ICIR, Ms. Victoria Bama described the pluralism of social media platforms as blessing to journalism profession just as she urged members to take the advantage to push out their contents for the public.
She called.on media organisations to make use of fact checking tools to cross check their reports before going to press.
Recall that the leadership of the FCT Correspondents Chapel had recently visited the management of ICIR on a strategic partnership and collaboration to organise a special training for their members.
The Managing Editor ICIR, Mr. Hamzat Ajibola commended the union for taking their time to visit the center saying it has shown that the new leadership of the Chapel is committed to the vision of changing the face of journalism profession for better.
He said ICIR was established with the vision of ensuring positive change of the country and set a pace for good and responsible journalism through training.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reorganized the presidency’s media and communications team in a move aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of government communication.
The presidency, in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, announced that Sunday Dare, Daniel Bwala, and Onanuga himself would now serve as joint spokespersons for the administration.
The restructuring involves new designations for key officials within the communications team. Sunday Dare, previously Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, has been reassigned as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications. Daniel Bwala, appointed last week as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser on Policy Communications. Bayo Onanuga retains his role as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
“These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency,” the statement read.
The collaborative approach is designed to ensure more consistent and effective communication of government policies and decisions to the public.
According to the presidency, the team will collectively manage the dissemination of information to foster greater transparency and alignment with the administration’s priorities.
This reorganization underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to a more cohesive media strategy that reflects the diverse needs of the public and the complexities of modern governance.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has sent a message of congratulations to the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper on its 75th anniversary.
The Governor praised the newspaper’s leadership in shaping public discourse and upholding accountability through its dedication to truth, transparency, and responsible journalism.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement on Saturday quoted Ododo in a message that commended the Nigerian Tribune’s legacy, acknowledging its role in fostering responsible journalism that has earned it the trust and loyalty of readers across Nigeria.
“The Tribune has consistently upheld fact-based reporting, balance, and objectivity, even amidst the challenges of misinformation in today’s media landscape,” he said.
Reaffirming the essential role of a free press in maintaining democracy, Governor Ododo recognized Nigerian Tribune’s efforts to support the rule of law and responsible governance.
He expressed optimism that the milestone would inspire the newspaper to continue its commitment to journalistic integrity, essential for a stable and enduring democracy in Nigeria.
Founded on November 16, 1949, by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his wife, Hannah Dideolu, the Nigerian Tribune has built a legacy as one of Nigeria’s pioneering media institutions, contributing significantly to the nation’s democratic growth.
***Aims to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Media Sector
In a transformative step for Nigeria’s media education, Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu has launched a cutting-edge Media Resource Centre at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ikeja, Lagos.
Fully funded by Dr. Adebutu, this modern facility aims to elevate media training standards in Nigeria, strengthening the nation’s media capabilities and delivering economic benefits.
The facility features a 350-seat auditorium, an advanced ICT hub, and a fully equipped studio, establishing NIJ as a leader in West African media training.
Since its founding in 1971, NIJ has been a cornerstone of media education in Nigeria, and with this new hub, it now has the potential to attract international collaborations and play a crucial role in Nigeria’s knowledge-driven economy.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, a former NIJ board member, praised Dr. Adebutu’s visionary investment, calling the Media Resource Centre a model of critical infrastructure for economic and workforce development.
Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Manga quoted Edun in a statement to have said,
“This initiative not only prepares our media professionals for the future but also creates job opportunities and supports economic growth,” Edun stated.
Accirding to the Statement,The centre’s resources are set to empower students and professionals with hands-on skills essential for a dynamic media landscape.
“The facility positions NIJ to offer world-class training, drawing attention from across Africa and establishing Nigeria as a key player in the global media arena.
Dr. Adebutu’s visionary gift to NIJ stands to reshape Nigeria’s media landscape, paving the way for a new generation of skilled media professionals, economic advancement, and a stronger media industry.
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