The United States Consulate in Lagos has teamed up with the Media Career Development Network to launch a one-year training initiative for emerging journalists in Nigeria.
This programme is aimed at reporters who are still early in their careers and looking to build strong foundations in modern journalism.
The training, known as the Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic, focuses on reporters with less than five years of experience. It is structured to help them improve their skills in investigative journalism, digital reporting tools, and ethical journalism standards. The goal is to prepare a new generation of Nigerian journalists to report with accuracy, depth, and responsibility.
Workshops will be held regularly in Lagos throughout the year. These sessions will focus on areas like governance transparency, financial journalism, public health reporting, and how to use anonymous sources responsibly. Journalists will also learn how to use social media for meaningful storytelling and how to access public data for their reports.
Julie McKay, the Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate, said the programme shows the US government’s continued support for strong, independent journalism in Nigeria. She pointed out that a free press plays a vital role in democracy by keeping the public informed and giving people the tools to ask questions and demand answers from their leaders.
Lekan Otufodunrin, who leads the Media Career Development Network, said the initiative will train around 150 journalists. He explained that participants will not only develop advanced reporting skills but also get the chance to learn from experienced journalists and industry experts through mentorship opportunities.
This programme reflects a growing interest in building up Nigeria’s media industry by providing young professionals with practical tools and guidance. With better training and support, these journalists will be better positioned to contribute to a more informed and active society.