By Archibong Jeremiah
Selected journalists (Editors, Correspondents and Reporters) have been trained in Calabar, the Cross River State capital on “Fact-Checking”.
The two days capacity building was organized by Africa Check with support from the U.S Consulate General, Lagos in Partnership with the International Press Centre.
The Nigeria Editor of Africa Check, Mr. David Ajikobi while presenting on what fact is? Why does facts matter? Especially in post-election coverage. Journalism and media sources. And understanding your own biases as journalists emphasized the need maintain ethical standard.
He maintained that what is popularly referred to as “Citizen Journalist” is “User Generated Content” and must be verified, consent gotten before using as a news material else “you can be sued”.
The participants were brushed through alternative facts, election fake news, global rise of professional fact-checking, social media sources and how to use them and how to spot fake news, hoaxes, disinformation online by Mr. David.
The Africa Check Nigeria Editor also taught the trainees how to fact check, track promises and digital strategies for fact-checking.
Another resource person, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Director of International Press Centre presentation was focused on understanding elections in Nigeria (the facts), perspective and frameworks for post-election solution-driven reporting of democratic accountability.
He stressed on the need to be more solution driven in reportage harping that solution journalism is important in a democratic society.
Mr. Lanre introduced the participants to using Pocket Reporter as he maintained that it’s good because part of its key feature is helping to write fact-based stories.
The Director of International Press Centre noted that all journalists as a matter of necessity must make the constitution and all other legal documents their companion.
Also, Funke-Treasure Durodola harped on the importance of solution-driven reporting as she laid emphasis on campaign promises. Taking investigative steps. And telling impactful stories.
She further talked on the importance of being able to communicate properly and connect with the audience, maintaining that having a good command of English Language is important.
Treasure also pointed out that stories are everywhere and a journalists must know how to tell a compelling stories which is the key to sustaining audience.
Some of the participants that spoke to our reporter said the workshop was timely and has great impacts in the newsroom. They commended the organizers.
The training featured discussion sessions, presentation of certificate to participants as well as photo session.
See pictures of certificate presentation;
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