Get Guardian on GoogleThe Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University, have launched the PIND Media Fellows Programme for Narrative Change in the Niger Delta, a six-month fellowship designed to strengthen development journalism and broaden reporting on the region.
The inaugural cohort comprises six journalists, editors and media storytellers who will receive specialised training, field exposure and editorial mentorship, alongside access to development evidence and communities across the Niger Delta.
Fellows will independently produce stories examining solutions, innovation, enterprise, partnerships and measurable development outcomes in the region.
The programme began with a five-day residential Impact Journalism Academy, holding from November 2–6 at SMC in Lagos.
At the first stage of the fellowship, the Academy will strengthen participants’ skills in development reporting, solutions journalism, impact storytelling, ethical interviewing, multimedia production and evidence-based reporting.
PIND Executive Director, Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, said the programme responds to the limited media attention given to development solutions and progress across the Niger Delta.
“The Niger Delta’s challenges must be reported honestly, but they should not be its only story. Across the region, communities, businesses and development partners are advancing solutions in peacebuilding, agriculture, youth employment, renewable energy and economic inclusion. This fellowship will help journalists examine those efforts critically, independently and with the depth they deserve,” Daibo said.
He emphasised that the programme is designed to strengthen journalism—not prescribe favourable coverage.
“Our role is to give journalists greater access to evidence, communities and development practice while respecting their editorial independence. Credible development reporting must remain rigorous, balanced and accountable to the public,” he added.
Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, said the partnership would equip fellows to move beyond activity-based reporting and examine the substance and results of development interventions.
“Development journalism requires more than reporting activities. Journalists must be able to interrogate evidence, understand systems, centre community voices and determine whether interventions are producing meaningful change. Our partnership with PIND combines these skills with practical reporting tools that fellows can apply in their newsrooms and field assignments,” Obiaya said.
Following the Academy, fellows will participate in field immersion, develop reporting pitches and receive editorial mentorship.
