Kogi State: Foundation Trains Media Professionals On Data Journalism

A group of Media Professionals in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria has been trained on Data Journalism, to analyse, interpret, and present information to the public in a more impactful way.

The training held at Lokoja, the State capital, was organised by Stallion Times in collaboration with the McArthur Foundation with the sole aim of broadening their knowledge in data journalism.

The facilitator, Mr Charles Mbah a seasoned Data Analyst and journalist emphasized the need for journalists to seek data where necessary and use it to hold leaders accountable.

Mbah said data journalism would help to reduce misinformation and disinformation.

He said, “By collecting and analysing data, journalists can provide readers with a deeper understanding of complex issues and present information in a way that is more easily digestible.”

Mbah encouraged journalists to open their hearts to learning and enhance citizens access to the right information by reporting facts using structured data as the core of storytelling and managing it objectively.

The Project Coordinator Mr Isiyaku Ahmed who doubles as the Executive Director of Stallion Times affirmed that all journalists must adhere to “Media Standards” stating that they are what differentiate them as professionals from bloggers or media influencers.

He said; “Media Standards are all-encompassing. They are composed of the code of ethics, press freedom, journalists’ responsibilities, and obligations.”

Mercy Chukwudiebere