Foundation trains journalists on investigative journalism

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has concluded a two-day intensive training on Solution and Investigative journalism for Nigerian journalists.

The training, tagged Capacity Building for Local Empowerment (CAPABLE) Solutions Journalism Training, had over 20 Nigerian journalists in attendance who were sleceted across the country.

Several facilitators trained participants cutting across newsrooms on how to carry out better investigative and solution driven reporting.

The journalists were trained on diverse issues relating to solution and investigative journalism, investigative interviewing, generating story ideas, data gathering, communication ethics, as well as challenges journalists encounter during repporting and possible solutions.

They were also lectured on the workings of PIND and its achievement in various states across the Niger Delta.

Tunji Idowu, the Deputy Executive Director of PIND, said the event was to build the capacity of journalists as well as have them create awareness on the achievements of PIND in the Niger Delta.

He explained that while the organisation is wholly focused on making better the economy of the Niger Delta, PIND also “provides training and information sharing to folks outside the Niger Delta”.

Mr Idowu further disclosed that PIND is willing to avail journalists with data on agriculture and capacity building when reporting in those areas.

The participants said the training afforded them an opportunity to learn new skills in investigative reporting.

After the courses of the day, journalists were taken to a large fish farm and a bakery – businesses that were empowered by the organisers.

They were also shown a biodigester that converts wastes from the toilet and kitchen into gas healthy for cooking.

PIND is a Nigerian non-profit organisation established by Chevron Corporation to build partnerships for equitable economic and peace development in the Niger Delta.

According to the organisers, it is Chevron’s way of giving back to the Niger Delta.