Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has successfully completed the training of the first batch of 32 journalists from print and electronic media on how to effectively use digital tools to enhance their journalism practice. The three-day training, held in Abuja, was organized by the Journalism Clinic and sponsored by NLNG, a leading player in Nigeria’s gas industry. The workshop provided journalists with valuable insights into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital communication in the newsroom, preparing them for the rapidly changing media landscape.
The training session attracted participants from a range of prominent media outlets, including Voice of Nigeria, The Nation Newspaper, Blueprint, Daily Trust, AIT, TVC, and more. These journalists explored how new digital tools can be deployed to improve their reporting capabilities, expand their reach, and foster meaningful engagement with their audiences.
NLNG’s Commitment to Building Capacity in Journalism
Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, addressed the participants and highlighted the company’s focus on building capacity as a key pillar of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. She emphasized the importance of equipping journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the fast-paced and technology-driven media environment.
The initiative, tagged #NLNGChangeYourStory, aims to empower journalists to amplify their impact in society. Horsfall encouraged the participants to apply the skills they learned to produce high-quality media content that aligns with NLNG’s vision of being a globally competitive energy company focused on sustainably improving lives. She expressed confidence that journalists would continue to play an essential role in enlightening the public and shaping the future through their stories.
Addressing Real Pressures in the Digital Newsroom
Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, the Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at NLNG, spoke about the company’s commitment to raising professional standards within Nigeria’s media sector. She noted that the training moved beyond theory, addressing real challenges in the digital newsroom, such as speed, verification, audience trust, and relevance.
Palmer-Ikuku explained that NLNG’s support for journalists’ digital competencies is aimed at strengthening the media ecosystem in Nigeria. This ecosystem, she stressed, must be capable of producing accurate, impactful journalism that contributes to national progress and shapes public understanding.
Hands-On Sessions and Expert Guidance
The training featured hands-on sessions and expert-led discussions, with participants learning practical approaches to digital storytelling, data visualization, online fact-checking, and audience engagement. Dan Mason, a digital communication specialist, and Taiwo Obe, a media veteran, led the workshops, guiding journalists through the effective management of digital presence and strategies for real-time reporting.
The #NLNGChangeYourStory program has already empowered over 180 journalists with enhanced skills in digital communication and social media, helping them adapt to the digital age of journalism.