Chevron Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, to support Nigerian media development and growth.
Chevron said this at a one-day media capacity-building workshop held for FCT-based journalists, sponsored by the oil company.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria, restated the company’s pledge to invest in human capital and enhance the media’s professional capacity through strategic support.
He noted that this year’s programme is built on the momentum of last year’s successful initiative that empowered over 30 journalists and aimed to further enhance the skills and capacity of media professionals.
Brikinn expressed confidence that this year’s programme would further empower journalists, who serve as crucial agenda-setters and opinion-shapers in the media landscape.
He also acknowledged and appreciated the significant contributions of journalists in providing in-depth coverage and thoughtful analysis of the oil and gas industry’s complex operations.
Brikinn, represented by Mr. Victor Anyaegbudike, Manager of Communications at Chevron Nigeria, also acknowledged journalists’ significant contributions to the oil and gas industry, offering insightful coverage and thoughtful analysis of the sector’s intricate activities.
He said: “Our company, CNL, is committed to collaborating with the media to drive societal progress, which is why we sponsor the AWARES program in partnership with Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.
“Since its launch in 2014, AWARES has empowered over 120 journalists, with an additional 90 media practitioners trained in Lagos, Asaba, and Abuja last year alone, to enhance their reporting capabilities.
“This year, we expanded our media capacity-building efforts by training an additional 90 journalists from NUJ chapters in Lagos, Abuja, and Warri, Delta State.
“By year-end, this initiative will have empowered over 180 media practitioners, bringing the total number of journalists who have benefited from CNL-sponsored programs to over 300.
“Through initiatives like AWARES and the Chevron-NUJ capacity-building programs, we aim to enhance professional capacity and foster enduring partnerships with our media stakeholders.
“We acknowledge that the prosperity of the broader society is inextricably linked to our business success, and we prioritize adding value to society as we create value for our stakeholders.
“CNL strives to make meaningful human investments that yield long-term, transformative returns, primarily through our Nigerian content development initiatives.
“In Nigeria, Chevron supports local content development by providing employment opportunities to Nigerians and awarding contracts worth over $1 billion annually, while also contributing to the sustainable growth of communities in our operational areas.”
In his remarks, Osaretin Osadebamwen, Chairman of NUJ, FCT Council, praised the collaborative partnership between the NUJ and Chevron, pointing out that the rise of new media and its associated platforms has revolutionized the media landscape, necessitating a paradigm shift.
Osadebamwen emphasized the importance of embracing the transformation, which is essential for enhancing its influence, staying competitive, and thriving in the fast-paced and ever-changing news environment.
He said: “We extend our sincere appreciation to Chevron Nigeria for their continued support, sponsoring this program in 2024, just as they did in 2023.
“Their contribution significantly advances the growth of journalists and the field of journalism in Nigeria.
“We carefully curated the program’s topics and selected expert resource persons from reputable institutions to ensure comprehensive and authoritative coverage, doing justice to each subject.
“As evident from the program schedule, we have deliberately chosen four key topics—Data Journalism and Social Media Reporting, Digital Rights and the Public Good, and Understanding the New Media and the Power of Trends—to equip participants with the knowledge and expertise needed to enhance their skills.
“These carefully curated topics are designed to empower each attendee, providing them with the tools to excel in their profession.”
Mr. Felicia Dairo, Project Manager at the Centre for Innovation and Journalism Development (CIJD), provided participants with comprehensive training on data journalism and social media reporting, equipping them with in-depth knowledge and skills.
Also, Mr. Mansur Hussein, a web developer and representative of Project Management Intelligent Automation, delivered an in-depth lecture on digital ethics, privacy rights, and the public good, providing valuable insights and expertise to the participants.
Meanwhile, Mr. George Kaduna, Digital Strategist at the Centre for Innovation and Journalism Development (CIJD), presented a lecture on “Understanding New Media and the Power of Trends,” offering expert insights into the rapidly evolving media landscape and the significance of staying ahead of trends.
The training session was attended by 30 carefully selected journalists from reputable and accredited media organizations.
Persecondnews reports that participants were awarded certificates on completion of the programme.
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