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By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Ndubusi Orji
In a bid to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) recently partnered with esteemed journalist, Dan Mason, and The Journalism Clinic, led by Taiwo Obe to conduct the #NLNGChangeYourStory workshop.
This three-day intensive training aimed to equip journalists with enhanced digital communication and social media skills and empower them to make a significant impact in their field.
The workshop brought together 25 journalists from various editorial sections, including Uche Usim, Ndubusi Orji and Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, representing The Sun Newspapers. This gathering of journalistic talent fostered an environment of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, ensuring that the participants gained a diverse range of perspectives throughout the training.
Building on the success of the inaugural #ChangeYourStory workshop held in 2015, NLNG revived the annual event in 2021. Since then, more than 100 journalists have undergone this transformative programme, reinforcing their competencies in digital communication and social media strategies. The workshop not only imparts fresh skills but also provides journalists a platform to practice and refine their newly acquired digital tools under the expert guidance of Mason and Obe.
From the participants’ enthusiasm and dedication, it was clear that they were eager to apply their learnings to their storytelling initiatives. Each practice exercise prompted a sense of accomplishment and sparked lively excitements as participants celebrated their progress and growth.
Speaking about the motivation behind the workshop, Obe said: “Nigeria LNG tapped into the ‘change your story’ concept first introduced by The Journalism Clinic and Dan Mason in 2015. We have successfully conducted several editions of this workshop since then, making it available to Nigerian journalists. Staying up to date with digital communication and aligning with global trends is crucial for Nigerian journalists’ mobility and influence.”
He said the impact of this training on participants has been profound. With over 90% of previous attendees confessing that their stories and reporting styles have undergone substantial transformations, the workshop’s effectiveness is undeniable. By embracing new tools, techniques and ideas, journalists are better equipped to meet the demands of modern storytelling.
The General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Andy Odeh, emphasised the company’s core value of excellence and commitment to capacity building.
He said NLNG recognises the pivotal role journalists play in shaping public opinion and narratives. Hence, the need to equip them with the necessary skills to create and own their stories, ultimately shaping the nation’s overall narrative.
He said for NLNG, the workshop goes beyond its primary objective of gas production for local and international markets. It serves as a platform to inspire excellence in all endeavours and strives to elevate reporters’ storytelling abilities amidst the digital age.
He noted that journalists communicate on behalf of not just NLNG but also multitudes of organisations and industries, and raising their reporting standards can significantly impact Nigeria’s overall image.
Mason, who has been instrumental in leading the ‘change your story’ training with NLNG’s support since 2015, shared his perspective on its crucial importance.
“Each iteration of this workshop presents new tools, fresh ideas and emphasises the transformative power of journalism. We aim to empower journalists, not to change them, but to remodel their narratives and careers, especially in countries like Nigeria, professional communicators play an indispensable role in establishing trust and delivering impact. This workshop aims to inspire journalists to go out, make a difference, and create positive change,” said Mason.
In promoting NLNG’s commitment to excellence, NLNG consistently invests in initiatives that will shape the journalistic terrain in Nigeria. The change your story workshop is a testament to this commitment, ensuring that journalists remain abreast with the latest digital communication trends and emerging technologies. By harnessing the power of digital tools and techniques, Nigerian journalists can effectively navigate the ever-changing media landscape, stay ahead of the curve, and effectively communicate stories that inspire and create lasting impact.
As NLNG continues to empower Nigerian journalists through its annual workshop, the nation’s media landscape stands to benefit immensely. With revered industry experts like Mason and Obe lending their expertise, this initiative cements NLNG’s position as a vanguard of digital communication and journalism excellence in Nigeria.
Kehinde Akintola, a participant from the Nigerian Tribune, described the training as timely and highly beneficial experience. The presence of experts like Mason, Obe and the entire team greatly enhanced the learning process and provided valuable insights into the world of digital journalism. Kehinde said since the training, he has felt an increased motivation to explore the vast opportunities offered by digital media in the media industry.
Kehinde added that he found the kit tool provided during the training to be incredibly interesting, as it promises to simplify and streamline their work system.
Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah, a producer at Aso Television and Radio in Abuja, described her participation training as an eye-opening experience. She said the training introduced her to a whole new world where work can be enjoyable and simultaneously more effective in reaching a broader and diverse audience.
