• Partners MCDN To Train Reporters

The acting Consul General of the United States Consulate, Lagos, JoEllen Gorg, has urged Nigerian journalists to continue to play their critical roles in democracy, saying they are indispensable in nation building.

Gorg stated this during the inaugural Journalism Clinic Bi-monthly session organised by the Media Career Development Network (MCDN) with support from the US Consulate, Lagos.

Twenty-one mid-career journalists were trained in investigative reporting under a new year-long initiative at the U.S. Consulate, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The programme, which is a part of MCDN’s Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic series, aims to build the capacity of journalists with fewer than five years of experience, offering intensive, hands-on training in investigative techniques, ethical journalism, and accountability reporting.

In the bi-monthly training, the clinic sessions cover a wide range of topics, including reporting on local governance, financial accountability, public health, and best practices for using open-source tools, social media, and anonymous sources.

Gorg said: “Journalists play an indispensable role in any nation. You truly are the eyes and ears of the people, providing critical information, uncovering the truth, and holding power accountable.

“There is no substitute for investigative reporting that advances transparency, accountability and governance; without it, the foundation of democracy is weakened.”

She maintained that the programme reflected the U.S. mission’s long-standing commitment to supporting Nigerian journalists. Also speaking, MCDN Executive Director, Lekan Otufodunrin, said over 100 applications were received, from which 21 participants were selected for the inaugural session.

Otufodunrin said: “The goal is to empower up to 150 early and mid-career journalists over the next year with practical skills and mentorship opportunities that will enhance their ability to keep the public informed.”

He disclosed that beyond the clinics, participants would receive personalised career reviews and continued mentorship through the MCDN network. On her part, the Public Affairs Officer at the Consulate, Julie McKay, urged the participants to explore other US-supported opportunities such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship, International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP), and resources available through American Spaces across Nigeria.

In his presentation, the Weekend Editor, The Punch newspapers, Mr. Samson Folarin, said investigative reporting entails exposing wrongdoings, holding power to account and in-depth journalism.

On his part, the Deputy Director of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the participants to make use of the Freedom of Information Act and other legal instruments to hold people in power accountable. Oluwadare’s message was delivered by Otufodunrin.

The Programme Manager at MCDN, Dayo Emmanuel, who spoke on the sidelines, said participants were selected based on their commitment to career development and a demonstrated interest in investigative journalism.