IHS Nigeria empowers 100 Journalists with capacity-building workshop

IHS Nigeria, a leading communications infrastructure services provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and media advancement through the sponsorship of a two-day training programme for 100 journalists in Ogun State.

The workshop, organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, took place from 29–30 October 2025, and focused on enhancing journalists’ capacity in areas such as new media, legal defence, and financial and economic reporting.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Yemisi Diya-Salawu, Director, Legal at IHS Nigeria, highlighted the company’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility.

She underscored the essential role of the media in shaping public opinion, deepening democracy, and strengthening national development.

“By sponsoring this training, IHS Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to creating conditions for people and communities to thrive,” Diya-Salawu stated.
“We see ourselves as Nigeria’s backbone of digital possibilities — ensuring that connectivity drives socio-economic growth, pursued responsibly and sustainably.”

She explained that IHS Nigeria’s sustainability strategy is anchored on four pillars: ethics and governance; environment and climate change; education and economic growth; and people and communities.

According to her, the company’s 2023–2024 Impact Report reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigerians.

Declaring the workshop open, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor, representing Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government and the media in promoting development.

Akinmade acknowledged the challenges facing journalists — including harassment, restricted access to information, and limited resources — but commended the Correspondents’ Chapel and IHS Nigeria for supporting initiatives that build professional competence.

“The media remains a critical partner in governance, helping to shape public opinion, hold institutions accountable, and promote development,” he said.

In his welcome address, Comrade Rasaq Ayinla, Esq., Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, applauded IHS Nigeria for its support, noting that journalism in Nigeria faces challenges such as limited mentorship, career development gaps, and digital literacy deficits.

“IHS Nigeria’s sponsorship is a testament to their dedication to responsible journalism and democratic growth,” he said.
“Their sustainability pillars align with the core values of our profession.”

He urged participants to seize the opportunity to upgrade their skills, exchange ideas, and enhance creativity and professionalism.

Media professionals and academics served as resource persons during the training.

Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, a former editor with The Nation newspaper, spoke on “Understanding the Workability of Conventional and New Media: The Pros and Cons.” He advised journalists to experiment with different media platforms and embrace digital innovations such as mobile journalism, data journalism, fact-checking, and solutions journalism.

He further encouraged journalists to explore new revenue streams, invest in digital tools, and pursue online professional courses to remain competitive.

Dr Folarin Jamiu, representing Prof. Dele Odunlami, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, stressed the importance of ethics, digital competence, and solution-oriented reporting.

He urged journalism educators to collaborate more with industry players, promote indigenous media content, ensure journalist safety, and support sustainable business models.

Both speakers concluded that journalism’s future lies in innovation, adaptability, and impact-driven storytelling.