The Africa Centre for Development Journalism (ACDJ) has launched the 2024 edition of its prestigious Inequalities Reporting Fellowship with a robust two-day training workshop held on August 26-27, 2024. This year’s fellowship, which is the third edition, brings together nine exceptional journalists from various media outlets across Nigeria, selected from a competitive pool of 266 applicants hailing from 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The fellowship is an integral part of ACDJ’s Sub-national Development Data Accountability Reporting Project, which focuses on inequality, underdevelopment, policy, and governance at the sub-national level. Supported by the MacArthur Foundation through a collaborative partnership with the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, the program aims to enhance the capacity of journalists to uncover and report on the often-overlooked inequalities within Nigerian society.
A Selective and Competitive Process
Out of the 266 applications received, only nine journalists were chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to investigative journalism and their potential to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on inequality. The selected fellows represent a diverse array of media organizations, including Africa Prime News, Nigerian Tribune, Sahara Reporters, Sparkling 92.3FM Calabar, Nairametrics, Fresh FM Lagos, Ripples Nigeria, Punch Newspaper (Healthwise), and Gombe Media Corporation.
Equipping Journalists with Vital Skills
The two-day training workshop, held at the ACDJ headquarters, was designed to provide the fellows with essential skills and knowledge that would empower them to produce impactful reports on inequality issues. The training was led by a distinguished faculty of experts, including Dr. Rita Okonoboh, a former News Editor at TheCable and a lecturer at the University of Ibadan; Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR); Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of Media Career Services; and Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA).
These experts covered a range of critical topics, offering insights into the nuances of investigative journalism, data analysis, and the ethical considerations inherent in reporting on sensitive issues such as inequality. Fellows were also introduced to advanced storytelling techniques that would enable them to present complex data in a compelling and accessible manner.
Mentorship and Implementation
Beyond the initial training, the fellowship provides ongoing mentorship, ensuring that the journalists have the support they need to navigate the challenges of reporting on inequality. Each fellow is paired with a mentor who guides them through the process of developing and executing a special report on an inequality theme. These reports are supported by a reporting grant from the ACDJ, allowing the fellows to delve deep into their chosen topics and produce work that can drive meaningful change.
The mentorship aspect of the fellowship is particularly significant, as it allows the fellows to benefit from the experience and insights of seasoned journalists who have made significant contributions to the field of investigative journalism. This ongoing support ensures that the fellows are not only equipped with the skills to report on inequality but also have the confidence and resources to bring their stories to fruition.
Continuing the Legacy
The Inequalities Reporting Fellowship has proven to be a vital platform for nurturing journalistic talent and fostering a deeper understanding of inequality in Nigeria. Previous editions of the fellowship, held in 2022 and 2023, saw 18 fellows emerge, each of whom went on to produce impactful stories that highlighted critical issues of inequality across the country.
This year’s fellowship continues that legacy, with the nine new fellows poised to make their mark in the field of investigative journalism. By shining a light on the inequalities that persist in Nigerian society, these journalists play a crucial role in holding power to account and advocating for a more just and equitable society.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 Inequalities Reporting Fellowship gets underway, there is a palpable sense of anticipation about the stories that will emerge from this year’s cohort. The fellows have already begun to identify the themes and issues they will focus on, and with the support of their mentors and the ACDJ, they are well on their way to producing journalism that will not only inform but also inspire change.
The ACDJ, through initiatives like this fellowship, continues to affirm its commitment to strengthening the capacity of journalists in Nigeria and across Africa, ensuring that they are well-equipped to report on the most pressing issues of our time.
The 2024 fellows are set to contribute significantly to the discourse on inequality in Nigeria, and their work will undoubtedly add to the growing body of journalism that seeks to expose and address the root causes of inequality, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
