Chevron Nigeria Limited has reiterated its commitment to supporting the development and growth of the Nigerian media.
The company stated this during a one-day media capacity-building for FCT-based journalists on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT secretariat in Utako.
The training was sponsored by Chevron and themed: “Digital Tools As Opportunity In Promoting Good Governance” .
Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs at Chevron Nigeria, who was represented by Mr. Victor Anyaegbudike, Chevron’s Manager of Communications, emphasised the company’s dedication to investing in human capital and enhancing media professionals’ skills.
Anyaegbudike noted that this year’s programme builds on last year’s success, which empowered over 30 journalists to further enhance their capabilities.
He also acknowledged the important role journalists play as agenda-setters and opinion-shapers, particularly in the complex oil and gas industry, where their insightful coverage and analysis are invaluable.
He highlighted Chevron’s commitment to drive societal progress through collaborations with the media, while referencing the AWARES program in partnership with Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, which has empowered over 120 journalists since its inception in 2014.
According to Chevron, the company expanded its media capacity-building efforts this year by training an additional 90 journalists across NUJ chapters in Lagos, Abuja, and Warri, which brings the total number of journalists benefiting from Chevron-sponsored programs to over 300.
Anyaegbudike 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.”
Earlier in his remarks, Osaretin Osadebamwen, Chairman of NUJ, FCT Council, praised the ongoing partnership with Chevron, and emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving media landscape driven by new media and digital platforms.
He lauded Chevron’s support, noting that it significantly contributes to the growth of journalism in Nigeria.
“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,” Osadebamwen said.
The workshop featured facilitators from Centre for Innovation and Journalism Development (CIJD), and Project Management Intelligent Automation who equipped the 30 selected journalists with essential skills and knowledge.
Mr. Felicia Dairo, a Project Manager at the Centre for Innovation and Journalism Development (CIJD), trained participants on data journalism and social media reporting, while equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge, Dairo noted the importance of data in reporting.
Another facilitator, Mr. Mansur Hussein, a web developer and representative of Project Management Intelligent Automation, who delivered a session on digital ethics, privacy rights, and the public good, urged Journalist to always conduct thorough investigations and verify information for accuracy before reporting.
Meanwhile, Mr. George Kaduna, a Digital Strategist at CIJD, in the context of “Understanding New Media and the Power of Trends,” offered expert perspectives on the rapidly evolving media landscape and the importance of staying ahead of trends.
The highly interactive training included questions and answers sessions. Participants were awarded certificates upon completion of the program, as well as group photographs were taken.