TO enhance the capacity of journalists in this fast paced digital era, British Council Nigeria organised a capacity building workshop for the Nigerian media in Lagos. This workshop was to equip the media with modern trends following the digital access where everyone and anyone can assume the role of a journalist.

The session held on November 3, featured thought leaders in the field of journalism, branding and digital marketing. Speaking on personal branding for journalists at the session, Lampe Omoyele, renowned marketing expert, harped on the power of personal branding in differentiation and how vital it is in the global space.

Drawing from his more than 25 years personal experience in marketing spanning fast moving consumer goods, global brands and currently in advertising, Omoyele noted the need for journalists to build perceptions based on experiences people have with them.

Journalists at the session were reminded of the power of collaboration globally by Peter Ogbu Okwoche, renowned journalist and senior reporter at the BBC in London. Before his career at the BBC, Okwocjhe worked in print and radio media in Nigeria. He drew on his experience with international collaborations, the attendant benefits, opportunities and how to build relationships with international media houses.

The influence of digital in how journalists operate and report news was also a key session at the workshop and was facilitated by Abasiama Idaraesit, managing director, Wild Fusion Limited. He spoke on the wide opportunities available for journalists, tools available on the internet, and spoke on the value of search engine optimisation for enabling audiences discover good content.

Understanding the role of the media in managing sensitive content was also discussed at the session facilitated by Lauratu Umar Abdusalam, communication specialist and Media Engagement Advisor, Palladium. The content was analysed from a gender and conflict sensitive perspective, where salient issues involving gender inequality and content of reports as they affect conflict were discussed.

Speaking at the session on the reason the training was designed, Lucy Pearson, country director, British Council Nigeria, noted the huge role played by the media in Nigeria. “As UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, British Council Nigeria constantly seeks different ways of creating opportunities by providing platforms where knowledge can be shared amongst key stakeholders. For us, this workshop is timely as we constantly seek to develop different sectors in the economy through capacity building initiatives and the media is one of such,” Pearson said.

–  Nov 6, 2017 @ 11:37 GMT |