Abuja, Nigeria – The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is pleased to announce its upcoming three-day training program for investigative journalists and researchers reporting on Nigeria’s conflicts, insecurity, and human rights irregularities and abuses. The training, supported by funding from the Open Society Foundation Africa, aims to enhance the capacity of journalists to effectively report on the evolving conflict in the region, particularly within the context of the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued on Monday by CJID’s Programme Director, Akintunde Babatunde, the initiative seeks to track the sources and uses of funds in terrorism, banditry, and government responses within the Lake Chad Basin quadrangle, namely Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. The project aims to stimulate discussions on the economy of insecurity in the region, reduce human rights violations, and contribute to reducing violence.
We have carefully selected top journalists and researchers from over 14 media outlets in Nigeria out of a pool of over 300 applicants.
Mr Babatunde emphasized that conflict reporting goes beyond curating war events. Participants will learn about the impact of data in conflict reporting, the ecosystem of misinformation and disinformation, gendered issues in conflict reporting, and comprehensive safety and security measures for journalists covering conflicts.
The training will provide a platform for journalists, researchers, and seasoned experts in the field of human rights and conflict reporting to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Oluwapelumi Oginni, the Conflict, Security and Human Rights project lead, stressed the importance of training journalists and researchers at this critical time. As conflict situations persist globally, it becomes crucial to equip professionals with the necessary skills to report on effectively and research conflicts.
After the training, selected journalists will receive grants to produce investigative reports on the economy of insecurity and human rights abuses in the Lake Chad Basin. These reports will serve as a catalyst for improving human rights protection and addressing insecurity issues in the region.
About the Workshop:
CJID will conduct the training from July 12th to July 14th, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria. The program will train 20 journalists and researchers on conflict-related topics.
The journalism training will cover subjects such as international humanitarian law and the current regional and international tools that should guide the activities of conflict actors. These topics are essential in expanding conflict reporting, particularly in identifying red flags in the actions and inactions of state actors, aligning with the journalistic principles of promoting openness and accountability.
The training will also revisit journalism ethics, providing practical tips on navigating ethical considerations that become more complex in conflict reportage, including impartiality, sensitivity, and the potential impact of journalistic activities.
The training program has been designed to incorporate various interactive methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, and role-play, to create an immersive and impactful learning experience for all participants.
