By Micheal Chukwuebuka, Reporting
THE Media for Information Literacy Project (MIL), in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Leap Africa and the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) has held a three-day boot-camp to educate and engage young journalists on the principles of journalism and dangers of fake news.
The event was also geared towards promoting information literacy, research and the fact-check culture in Nigeria among media practitioners.
The boot-camp, according to Temiloluwa Oyeniyi, the project lead and convener, aims to foster responsible media, strengthen democratic values, as well as to improve the capacity of media organisations and personnel, and influence existing media regulations in Ibadan, Oyo State.
She stated that the event was organised for 50 participants, cutting across broadcasting, prints, investigative journalism, research, photo journalism, fact-checking, and content creation, to educate them on the fundamentals and rules guiding news writing, and dissemination of information, as well as to equip them with the fact-checking skills and toolkits.
Stonix News reporter, Micheal Chukwuebuka, also participated in the three-day boot-camp held at the NUJ Press Centre in Ibadan.
During the opening ceremony, a veteran journalist and former Ambassador to Philippine, Yemi Farounbi, gave a keynote lecture on “Journalism in Nigeria; the Past, the Present and the Future.”
Amb. Yemi Farounbi
He addressed the participants on the essence of journalism and how it shaped the society, what it used to be when he was a journalist and what it is now.
Amb. Farounbi also urged participants to equip themselves with the basic knowledge and skills to practise effective journalism, embrace credibility, value and integrity in their various activities to inform and educate the masses.
The NUJ vice chairman, Oyo State Council, Mr. Seye-Ojo, in his lecture titled “The Role of the NUJ in Curbing Misinformation and Disinformation,” explained the role of the NUJ, giving relevant instances of activities carried out by the body to ensure the safety and wellbeing of journalists in the state.
He mentioned the regulations implemented by the body to guide the conducts and behaviours of journalists.
He, however, urged participants to maintain neutrality when gathering news stories, as well as not to pursue stories at the detriment of their lives, and be vigilant while trying to uncover truths.
He also requested that participants be part of the NUJ towards promoting the freedom and rights of the Press.
On-air personalities and investigative journalists, Adejumo Kabir, Samuel Afouda and Loveth Ighoruemuse, popularly known as Big Love, in their separate remarks, shared their experiences as media personalities, highlighting the role of traditional media in curtailing fake news, and the step-by-step guide to becoming investigative journalists.
The boot-camp also featured the launch and endorsement of the Media for Information Literacy Brochure tagged “Code of Practice,” which, according to the Project Lead, is a publication that aims to guide young journalists and media organisations in Nigeria in their pursuits to inform, educate and entertain the public.
The brochure was distributed to the participants, including media practitioners and outfits for free to guide their affairs.
Stonix News reports that the MIL boot-camp, first of its kind, was insightful, impactful and an eye-opener on the principles of journalism and fact-checking.
At the closing ceremony on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, participants were awarded certificates of participation and completion after which group photos were taken.
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