As part of it’s commitment to enhancing media practice in the country, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) launched the Report Women programme to address the scarcity and quality of news about issues of access and abuse that affect girls and women.
Through the programme so much has been achieved including the training of 80 reporters, facilitating conversations, holding stakeholders round-tables, conducting media monitoring and publication of investigative documentary.
In 2017, the Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP) with a fellowship that has since trained and mentored 86 female journalists across five cohorts to lead newsrooms who have produced 136 stories, 138 leadership and 2,930 direct beneficiaries.
On October 3, I had the opportunity to attend the 10th anniversary of the Report Women and the presentation of the Experts Source Guide, and it was more than what I imagined. I feel reassured knowing fully well that women are being recognized and there are people and organizations ready to assist anyone that seeks their support.
Myself (first from left) MCDN Programme Officer, Miss Blessing Osemobor with fellow interns
The programme kicked off at the appointed time with the CEO/Executive Director of WSCIJ, Mrs Motunrayo Alaka in her opening remarks jokingly saying “we at WSCIJ are known to beat Africa time,” and true to her words they didn’t disappoint. The programme was anchored by Mr Kofi Bartels, a broadcaster with the Nigeria Info radio station. It was so funny because I see his face every morning on the X app but couldn’t recognize him.
Mrs Alaka, and ED MCDN, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, MCDN Programme Officer (in the middle), myself second from left and colleagues.
I had the opportunity to see, meet and greet the former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba who was the chairman of the event. I remember working on his profile while I was in 100 level and my dad also talks about him and his achievements in journalism which truly opens path for great things to happen if you grab the moment whenever it present itself. At 85 and despite being a former governor, Chief Osoba proudly says he is a journalist and will remain so, even in heaven!
I also met with some other great campus journalists. I was in awe of those from University of Lagos. Those guys are fire, which makes me remember what Mrs Alaka said about them “ You guys are fire , and am very sure journalism will not suffer because am very sure these younger generation are not joking”
Overall, the programme was much more than I expected. If opportunities like this presents itself I will definitely grab it. I was so happy seeing the presentation of the expert source guide. It’s a website with curated profiles of leading women across eight initial sectors for easy access for journalists.
The Guide will help practising journalists, campus journalists and aspiring journalists out there to get female experts voices in whatever the are writing.
I want to specially congratulate WSCIJ for what it has accomplished through the Report Women programme. I appreciate the opportunity given me to celebrate with the organisation and beneficiaries.
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