To enhance the capacity of journalists in this fast paced digital era, British Council Nigeria hosted a Capacity Building Workshop for Nigerian media in Lagos, recently.
The media’s role in educating, informing, entertaining and influencing public opinion in Nigeria, has been more critical in recent times following the digital access where everyone and anyone can assume the role of a journalist.
The Capacity Building Workshop featured thought leaders and resource persons in the field of journalism, branding and digital marketing.
Lucy Pearson, country director, British Council Nigeria, in her Speech at the session, noted the reason the training was designed and the huge role the media played in Nigeria.
She stated that “As UK’s international Organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, British Council Nigeria constantly seeks different ways of creating opportunities by providing platforms where knowledge can be shared amongst key stakeholders.
“For us, this workshop is timely as we constantly seek to develop different sectors in the economy through capacity building initiatives and the media is one of such”.
Peter Ogbu Okwoche, senior reporter at the BBC London, speaking on the topic “Collaborations in the media space” reminded Journalists at the session of the power of collaboration within the media space globally.
Peter, who before his career at the BBC, worked in print and radio media in Nigeria, drew on his experience with international collaborations, the attendant benefits, opportunities and how to build relationships with international media houses.
A renowned marketing expert Lampe Omoyele, MD 141 Worldwide and Lucent Consulting Company, Speaking on the topic, “Personal branding for journalists” told the session about the power of personal branding and how vital it is in the global media space.
Drawing from his over 25 years personal experiences in marketing spanning from fast moving consumer goods, global brands and currently in advertising, Lampe noted the need for journalists to build perceptions based on experiences people have with them.
Abasiama Idaraesit, managing director, Wild Fusion Limited, spoke on “Online Content Optimization for Journalists” noted the wide opportunities available for journalists in digital space and how they can maximize and make use of the tools available on the internet in operating and reporting news.
He also spoke on the value of search engine optimisation for enabling audiences discover good content.
Lauratu Umar Abdusalam, Media Engagement Advisor, Palladium, Spoke on “Conflict Sensitive Journalism” said that the media should understand their role in managing sensitive content in a conflict situation.