The need to promote independent media that advances fundamental human rights has been the core value of Premium Times Center for Investigative Journalism, PTCIJ.
This has made PTCIJ go to over twenty higher institutions in Nigeria over the years to train more than hundreds of campus journalists on Conflict and Investigative Reporting.
The Center made its stop at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos to leave its footprints in the sand of times by engaging students of the Institution on a 4-day Training from August 30 – September 2, 2021.
During the training, participants received lectures on Journalism ethics/Conflict Monitoring Reporting Review, Interview/Evaluation of interview, Data Journalism amongst other topics of interest which were necessary for upskilling of campus journalists in the Institute.
With a blend of professionalism and mastery, the facilitators who can be likened to the proverbial three-legged stool; took their time to painstakingly help participants harness the necessary skills embedded in the training.
Deji Adekunle, the Deputy Programme Director of the PTCIJ; Busola Ajibola, the Programme Coordinator of Campus Reporter and Femke Zeiji, a Dutch journalist based in Nigeria.
Speaking on skills involved in Conflict Reporting, Ajibola emphasised the need for conflict reporters to listen and observe during the course of reporting; and they should also have the understanding that Conflict Reporting is not just in the event, but in other issues surrounding it.
“Verifiable sources are better than assertive sources”- the Program Coordinator stated.
Adekunle stressed the need for fact-checking as there are lots of fake information all over the internet and urged the participants to be cautious.
He explained that Information Disorder includes falsification, intent to harm, and mal-Information.
During her presentation on “Interviewing&Interviews”, Zeiji adopted a practical approach with participants grouped into different media organizations to solicit answers from indigenes of imaginary Shakanda Village on the supposed conflict in the community.
At the end of the training, participants were able to understand how peculiar interviewees are to them as an interviewer, how important it is to fact-check information before publication, the need to be sensitive during conflict reporting, and lots more.
Some participants were rewarded for their active participation during the training; Damilola Odunnukan, a recent graduate of the Institute was the most active participant, while Ibrahim Taofeek, an HND 1 student got a gift for being the most attentive participant.
The duo was given a book titled “Vaults of Secret” written by Olukorede S. Yishau
The participants savored every ounce of the training by engaging the facilitators with questions and also splattering them with breathtaking comments at the end of the training.
Below are some of the phrased epistles posted on the training WhatsApp platform by some of the participants;
“It’s indeed a great honour to partake of this shared knowledge from those who’s got it.
You indeed ground our knowledge more on what we really have passion for.
Three gbosa for you sir and Ma, and gbosas for PTCIJ ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼
Bon noit ✋🏼🤚🏼 “, Bolawa Pelumi Solomon, a recent Post Graduate Student of the Institute penned.
In the same vein, Taiwo Babatunde, a student of Federal University of Oye Ekiti, FUOYE, wrote, “Once again, thanks to the organizers and NIJ
Thanks for giving me reassurance.
4days of everything wonderful.
4days of learning new and creative ideas and abilities
4days of renowned energy
4days of lasting and good memories
4days of good feeding.
4days that signify a new beginning of something great.
Thanks for making this 4days come through.
Thanks so much @Mrs. Busola training
Femke, Mr Deji
And everyone who has impacted us positively.
I love u all❣️❣️.
At the end of the training, the Head of Department (HOD) of the Institute, Dr. Boyeola appreciated the team for coming through, while stating the fact that the training has refreshed him of some old teachings that he has received in a long time.
Also, Mr. Cami Ezenwa, a senior Lecturer of News Reporting and Writing in the Institute swept the facilitators off their feet with a locomotive applause by all participants while standing on their feet all in a bid to commend PTCIJ for a job well done.
