By Seyi Babalola
Nigeria LNG Limited concluded another edition in the series of #NLNGChangeYourStory workshops on Thursday, focusing on arming women journalists with cutting-edge digital communication and social media skills for reporting gender-based issues.
From 30th January to 1st February 2024, this annual capacity-building workshop, themed Gender Active, convened women journalists from diverse editorial sections and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) members in Lagos. The workshop, sponsored by NLNG, focused on mobile and multimedia journalism, providing participants with a comprehensive learning experience.
During the workshop, Mr. Andy Odeh, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasised that the focus on gender-related journalism aligns with NLNG’s commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusiveness, both within and outside the organisation. He highlighted the crucial role of women journalists in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion for a better Nigeria.
“Our dedication to capacity building stems from the belief in the immense potential of women journalists. Recognising their pivotal role in shaping narratives, influencing public opinion, and contributing to sustainable development goals, we empower them with essential skills to reshape their stories and, consequently, mould the stories of our nation,” said Mr. Odeh.
He emphasised the workshop’s significance in empowering women journalists with essential skills in the dynamic landscape of digital communication and social media, stating that the #NLNGChangeYourStory workshop, initiated in 2015, reflects NLNG’s vision of embracing new technologies and platforms to articulate narratives that resonate in the fast-paced digital age.
Mr. Odeh added that the workshop manifested NLNG’s belief that stakeholders are integral contributors to the Company’s journey towards greater heights.
Speaking at the event, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Aisha Bura Ibrahim, represented by the association’s National Deputy Chairperson, Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu, stated that women journalists need to be positioned for the future in reporting the realiites of women and children, especially the girl-child, in Nigeria. She commended NLNG for supporting the women with digital communication skills that will bring them to par with contemporaries around the world.
The workshop, delivered by seasoned journalist Mr Dan Mason in collaboration with The Journalism Clinic, led by Mr Taiwo Obe, proved to be a transformative experience for the participating journalists. Leveraging their wealth of knowledge and experience, these experts adeptly guided participants through the nuances of digital communication and social media, empowering them to take control of their narratives and shape the nation’s stories.
#NLNGChangeYourStory workshop has benefited over 90 journalists since 2015, reinforcing their digital communication and social media competencies. The workshop is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of state-of-the-art training. Journalists emerge equipped with the confidence and skills to embrace digital communication and social media.
