In a bid to strengthen the future of Nigerian journalism, the United States Consulate General in Lagos has launched a year-long capacity-building initiative for early-career reporters.
The programme—Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic—is a collaboration with the Media Career Development Network and targets journalists with fewer than five years of professional experience.
Designed to address the evolving demands of the media landscape, the initiative focuses on empowering young reporters with essential skills in investigative journalism, data storytelling, digital reporting tools, and media ethics.
According to a statement from the organisers on Friday, the workshops will take place in Lagos and cover topics such as transparency and accountability in governance, financial journalism, public health reporting, and ethical use of anonymous sources.
Participants will also explore how to effectively utilise social media for public interest reporting and gain access to open data platforms.
Speaking on the significance of the training, Julie McKay, Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate, reaffirmed the US government’s dedication to media development in Nigeria.
“Press freedom and a professional, responsive, and independent media are critical parts of any democracy,” she said.
“By providing timely and accurate information, journalists give citizens a voice—allowing them to engage in dialogue and hold leaders accountable.”
Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, noted that the programme is expected to benefit approximately 150 journalists over the course of the year.
“Participants will gain advanced reporting skills that enhance their ability to inform, educate, and scrutinise power,” he said.
The training will also offer mentorship opportunities with senior journalists and subject matter experts across various beats.
Interested journalists can apply at https://bit.ly/4lB6Tpx. Successful applicants will be notified ahead of each bi-monthly session.
