Communication Infrastructure Firm Boosts Capacity of 100 Journalists
James Sowole in Abeokuta
A leading communication infrastructure services provider, IHS Nigeria, has promised rewarding a session and continued partnership with the journalists in Ogun State with the aim of producing a vibrant media community.
The company expressed its commitment at the opening of a two-day training program for journalists practicing in Ogun State.
The training which drew professionals from print, electronics and online media, was organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council.
No fewer than 100 journalists participated in the training programm, which featured presentations by seasoned journalists and from the academia.
The training focused on enhancing the capacity of journalists in areas such as new media, legal defense, and financial and economic reporting.
Speaking at the event, Yemisi Diya-Salawu, Director, Legal, IHS Nigeria, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
She emphasized the critical role the media plays in society, particularly in keeping citizens informed, deepening democracy, and developing national life.
Diya-Salawu outlined IHS Nigeria’s sustainability strategy, which is delivered across four key pillars, ethics and governance, environment and climate change, education and economic growth, and people and communities.
She noted the company’s impact report for 2023 and 2024 demonstrates its commitment to fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria and Nigerians.
She emphasized the training aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their profession.
Diya-Salawu expressed confidence that the training would be a worthwhile activity for the journalists, given the topical nature of the subjects and the impressive list of resource persons.
“By sponsoring this training, IHS Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to creating conditions for people and communities to thrive.
“The company looks forward to a rewarding session and continued partnership with the NUJ Ogun State Chapter in promoting a professional and vibrant media community.”
According to her, the company sees itself as “Nigeria’s backbone of digital possibilities, ensuring that connectivity drives socio-economic growth while being pursued responsibly and sustainably.
Beyond building sustainable, energy efficient, and secure infrastructure solutions, we are deeply committed to creating conditions for people and communities to thrive today and for generations to come,” she added.
Diya-Salawu further noted that IHS Nigeria’s sustainability strategy is anchored on four key pillars ethics and governance, environment and climate change, education and economic growth, and people and communities.
“We hope this training motivates journalists working in Ogun State to become even more professional in their work, aim for excellence, and find fulfilment in it.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, representing Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, while declaring the training open, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the media in driving development.
Akinmade noted the media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and promoting government initiatives.
Akinmade highlighted the challenges faced by media practitioners in Nigeria, including limited access to information, physical assaults, and harassment of journalists.
He commended the correspondents chapel for organizing the retreat, which provided an opportunity for journalists to acquire new skills, share experiences, and network.
He highlighted the importance of partnership between the government and the media, stating that the government is willing to work with the media to drive development.
He expressed appreciation for the media’s support and collaboration in promoting the government’s initiatives, and pledged to continue working together for the benefit of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
In his welcome address Comrade Rasaq Ayinla, the Chairman Correspondence Chapel, agreed that journalism in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including gaps in structured mentorship for young reporters, career planning and growth opportunities, digital literacy, and leadership development but believed that with the support of organizations like IHS Nigeria Limited, journalism can bridge these gaps and promote excellence in journalism.
He however commended IHS Nigeria Limited for their commitment to media development and partnership.
He said “their sponsorship of this training is a testament to their dedication to promoting responsible journalism and deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.
The lecturers in their various lectures, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, a former editor with the Nation Newspaper while speaking on the topic ‘Understanding the Workability of conventional and New Media: The Pros and Cons advised the participants to make use of the various media platforms and see which one works better for them and be consistent with it.
He enjoined journalists to practice new journalism formats with the use of digital investigative journalism, mobile journalism, data journalism, fact-checking and solution journalism.
He also advised them to explore the new revenue streams, invest in acquired digital tools and expertise, network widely, locally and globally, take paid and free online digital journalism courses, join media innovations and many more to improve in their reportage.
Dr. Folarin Jamiu, representing Prof. Dele Odunlami, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University, recommend that practitioners must be committed to ethics, invest in digital skills, adopt solutions-oriented data.
Otufodunrin and Folarin advised journalists to focus on responses to problems, not just problems themselves, noting that the present is not only about surviving but innovating.
They observed that Nigeria practitioners are adapting to new form of journalism oriented towards impact and sustainability, adding that the present is not only about surviving, but innovating.
