By Emmanuel Sampson
A lecture for journalists in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, has emphasised the importance of more in-depth investigative coverage, particularly concerning environmental standards, extractive industries, and financial transparency.
The lecture, titled ‘Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Media Coverage and Collaborative Partnerships with CSOs in Akwa Ibom State’ was delivered during the April Congress of Insight Newspapers Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo.
The Executive Director of Ibom PEER Foundation, Mr Mfon Gabriel, highlighted the professional advantages of reporting on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) activities, including access to exclusive data, enhanced investigative capabilities, and opportunities for networking with experts.
He urged journalists to adopt a collaborative approach, focusing on long-term partnerships with CSOs to produce impactful stories that resonate with the public.
“Collaborating with CSOs allows journalists to track the real-world impact of their reporting long after a story is published, a crucial factor in building a reputation as a trusted, impactful reporter.
“Covering CSOs provides access to subject matter experts, and facilitates networking with local, national, and international actors”, he stated.
To improve coverage, Mr Gabriel recommended that journalists shift from transactional and event-based reporting to a more collaborative model that focus on impact, accountability, and storytelling.
He listed key areas for focus to include human interest stories, in-depth investigations into systemic injustices, and tracking the outcomes of CSO advocacy campaigns.
He also encouraged the adoption of “solutions journalism”, instead of only focusing on problems, to highlight the positive impacts of CSO initiatives.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Insight Newspapers Chapel, Comrade Itoro Bassey, expressed the Chapel’s commitment to partnering with CSOs, including NGOs, community groups, and advocacy networks to engage in initiatives that will enhance the reporting skills of its members.
He urged members of the Chapel to utilise their skills and move beyond narrative reporting towards data-driven investigations.
