To enhance the capacity of journalists in this fast paced digital era, the
British Council in Nigeria hosted a capacity building workshop for the
media. The second in a series of capacity building initiatives for journalists
was held in Abuja on 25 and 26 July 2018.
The workshop addressed key
issues as it affects the media. The issues discussed include ‘Upholding
journalism ethics in the age of social media- sifting facts from fake news;
Conflict sensitive journalism; Equality Diversity and Inclusion in the Nigerian
media; Collaborations in the media space; Storytelling in contemporary
Nigeria; Child Protection and Impact of our activities on the environment.
The media's role in educating, informing, entertaining and influencing
public opinion in Nigeria has been more critical in recent times. This follows
digital access where everyone and anyone can assume the role of a
journalist.
The two day session featured thought leaders in the field of
journalism, branding and marketing
of engaging audiences using storytelling and also shared global best
practices and trends.
The power of collaboration with international media was led by Chiagozie
Nwonwu, a Senior Broadcast Journalist at the BBC’s new Igbo Language
service. He drew on his experience on collaborations within the creative
writing industry and within the media, prompting the journalists present at
the session to come up with collaboration ideas across their represented
media organisations.
Speaking at the session on the reasons the training was designed, Louisa
Waddingham, Director of Programmes, British Council Nigeria noted the
huge role played by the media in Nigeria. She mentioned that the British
Council is the UK’s International Organisation for cultural relations and
educational opportunities and the different programmes carried out by the
organisation are focused on creating opportunities for people in Nigeria.
This includes providing platforms where knowledge can be shared amongst
key stakeholders that will prompt development.
Also speaking on some of the British Council projects on civil society and
justice, Dr Bob Arnot, Programme Director, Managing Conflict in Nigeria
(MCN)/ Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) in British Council shared a
few of the development projects run by the British Council. He explained
how working with the police in Nigeria has provided an opportunity for a
perception change through different training initiatives. These initiatives are
from earlier programmes run by the British Council like the Justice for All
programme. He also talked about the opportunities to manage conflict
within the traditional setting and how the British Council through the
current European Union funded programme, Managing Conflict in Nigeria
train traditional rulers and their wives in ways of managing conflict within
their communities.
About British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural
relations and educational opportunities. We work with over 100 countries in
the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society.
Last year we reached over 65 million people directly and 731 million people
overall including online, broadcasts and publications. We make a positive
contribution to the countries we work with – changing lives by creating
opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. Founded in
1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body.
We receive 15 per cent core funding grant from the UK government.
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