By Muhammad Habibat & Sakariyah Sodiq Abubaqri
In an effort to equip the next generation of journalists, Harbinger Media successfully conducted a comprehensive 3-day online media training program aimed at nurturing emerging talents.
The training, themed “Foundation of Excellent Reporting: Fundamentals of News, Features, and Special Reports Writing,” provided valuable insights into journalism and networking in the field.
Starting on Tuesday, November 28, and concluding on Thursday, November 30, the training brought together accomplished journalists such as Freelance Journalist Friday Omosola, Mohammed Taoheed, a Freelance Journalist with FIJ, and two award-winning journalists from The Punch, Damilola Olufemi and Solomon Odeniyi, who skillfully addressed the theme with excellence.
Speaking about the training’s purpose, Boluwatife Adedokun, the host and Publisher of The Harbinger, emphasized that the core focus was not only on imparting essential skills in news, features, and special reports writing but also on creating a platform for networking and connections among participants.
Boluwatife further explained that the primary objective of the 3-day training by Harbinger Media was to equip prospective journalists and provide them with a comprehensive foundation needed to navigate the intricate landscape of journalism.
“The success of the program is not just measured by the imparted skills but also by the connections forged among participants. Our commitment to fostering a community of learning extends beyond the training itself, as we believe that networking is an integral part of a journalism journey,” she added.
Reflecting on the enriching experience, participants shared their insights.
Daniel Akinte, a Mass Communication student at Adekunle Ajasin University, described how the training significantly impacted his understanding of journalism ethics, stating, “It served as a medium of enlightenment in my journalism career, influencing me in the ethics of journalism writings.”
Speaking of her own experience, Jacinta Chisom, a third-year Mass Communication student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, expressed gratitude for the “mind-blowing” training and shared how it inspired her in investigative journalism, saying the knowledge gained during the training’s session is a beacon of inspiration.
“I am presently drafting a map in Investigative journalism as a result of the knowledge I gained in the training,” Jacinta added.
Wonderful Adegoke, a student from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, praised esteemed facilitators like Friday Omosola, Damilola Olufemi, Mohammed Taoheed, and Solomon Odeniyi, asserting that he had tapped from their wealth of experience.
Adegoke highlighted how their invaluable knowledge equipped participants with the skills to amplify silenced voices and address crucial issues for building a better community.
“I thought the journalism profession is gradually losing its professionals to other seemingly higher-paying professions, but the training changed that narrative,” said a UNIJOS student, Solomon Yakubu, one of the recipients of the 3-day training, as he narrated how the training has been an eye-opener to various possible opportunities in journalism.
Yakubu further asserted that the training has shaped his experience in journalism and provided him an avenue to make valuable connections.
He, however, thanked the organizers of the training, Harbinger Media, for providing this insightful program.
