The need for Journalists to include relevant data in their reports and understand how to critically analyse and visualize data for the public to understand were the focus of the Data Journalism Clinic organized for Journalists in Niger state last week.
The training which was organized by Media Mentors Network in collaboration with the Technology and Development Research Network (TEDREN) in the Federal University of Technology, Minna attracted online, print and broadcast media along with Information Officers of various ministries in the state.
One of the Facilitators who is the Dean, School of information and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Professor Nicholas Iwokwagh spoke on the theoretical aspects of Data journalism, explaining what data journalism is, why the participants should care about using data for reportage and the scope of data journalism.
He also focused on the history of data journalism, the importance and various methods of using data journalism while showing examples of global data journalism projects.
Iwokwagh explained how data journalism has transformed journalism practice, stressing that the job of journalists in the emerging new media is to find out what people are trying to hide in numbers.
“Your watchword as a Journalist should be, show me the story and I will tell you the story. If a Journalist understands how data can be manipulated, he or she can better judge a bureaucrat’s spin on the facts or a government’s misrepresentation of data.”
Justina Asishana of Media Mentors Network took the participants on the practical aspect of data journalism, including sourcing for data depending on what story being worked on.
The participants sourced, mined and made visual presentations of data as they created various infographics, charts and maps to depict some stories they were currently working on.
Asishana who is the organizer of the training said the training was organized to enhance the skills of journalists in the state on the use of data and to step down the knowledge she had garnered from various training she had attended.
“Early this year, I attended a Data and Solutions Academy organized by the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos and I learnt more about data journalism. Upon my return to base, I noticed that there are a lot of gaps in stories emerging from Niger state with no data despite the large resource of data available.
“That is why I decided to organise this training. I hope the participants will go further to explore what they learned and use the tools available to them in analysing and visualizing data. I cannot wait to see the amazing projects the journalists would embark upon using data.”
Some of the participants who spoke at the end of the training said the training surpassed their expectations adding that they learnt a lot with the one on one facilitation approach by the facilitators during the practical aspect.
The General Manager, Ultimate FM in Minna, Celine Moses Alkali said, “It was an impactful experience. Data journalism is part of the new media we are talking about now. Knowledge is never enough, as a professional, you have to keep learning and building your capacity in your life while you await God’s divine plans for you.
“Thanks to the organizers for the priceless opportunity, it was worth the time. You will surely see the outcome of the training in the coming week. I am so excited to get started.”
Fatima Zahra Muhammad from Insight Minna said, “The lectures were enlightening and it was beyond my expectation. It got to a point where my laptop almost disappointed me but with the help of the facilitators, they ensured I missed nothing. I also appreciate Professor Nicholas Iwokwagh for exhibiting deep passion towards the development of Journalists in Niger state.”
The Information Officer of Niger state Ministry of Information, Abubakar Adamu Kuta said, “The training was a big bang. I appreciate the organizers, Media Mentors Network and TEDREN for availing us the opportunity to get out capacities built on data journalism. I found the workshop very timely and educative. My expectations were graciously met.”
At the end of the two-day training, the participants were given certificates for participating in the training.
