Daily Trust Foundation Organises 3-Day Capacity Training For Journalists On Data Processing

From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi

Two Journalists in Kebbi State participated in the Advanced Data Journalism three days workshop in Kano, organised by Daily Trust Foundation (DTF), the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Foundation that trained 22 selected journalists from the seven States of the North West.

The Chairman of the Foundation, Mallam Bilya Bala in his opening remarks stated that that the Foundation is very passionate about training and building the capacity of journalists, hence the need for the training of these Journalists from across Media Organisations.

The Foundation according to him, has put together this workshop on Advanced Data Journalism in order to build upon previous training activities on investigative reporting, which was conducted since 2017, in partnership with MacArthur Foundation.  

The Foundation he stated further considers capacity building as a vital strategy for enhancing credible and relevant journalism in Nigeria, adding that for every successful investigation, journalists need evidence, not just in the forms of documents and interviews, but also in available data which can show patterns or trends that alert those in power about things that may have gone wrong.

 “There is a way visualized data can bring the reality of highly complex issues home, much more than thousands of words can do. Our flagship publication, Daily Trust, has used data and infographics to do high-impact stories in recent times. We want more and more journalists to do similar stories.

“The core of the training here is data mining and the use of Excel spreadsheet. These could be boring and intellectually demanding. But that is the rough route to a successful career in data journalism. You must know how to gather relevant data from diverse sources. You must know how to use Microsoft Excel to refine and analyse your data. You cannot dodge these two valleys to the top of your career as digital and data journalists. 

“As some of you who have attended our regional training programmes would remember, I have said again and again that the leadership at the sub-national levels – states and local governments – have ruined the country because journalists have failed to hold them accountable.

“One easy way of doing so is to present to them data gathered from the field on their failed promises, or how some of their priorities are not in the interest of the people. Data brings precision to your reporting; you can be accused of bias when you report opinions of the opposition, but not when you present credible data in your reporting,”he said.

He, therefore, took the participants through an illustrative manner of how data mining is practiced in the local patterns by forefathers since years immemorial among other examples.

On his part, Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Halilu Dantiye urged the participating journalists to apply data Journalism in their reporting for accuracy noting that an accurate report generated from data journalism would help the government to appreciate its strength and identify its weaknesses in addressing public demands.

Earlier, in his presentation, the Programme Director of the Daily Trust Foundation Theophilus Abbah, said Data Journalism requires commitment, hard work, patience and diligence in carrying out their assignment while the foundation remains committed to equip journalists with necessary tools for Data Journalism to enhance their skills in their daily assignment.

Facilitators at the training were veteran editor, Theophilus  Abbah,  Damilola Ojetunde of the BBC Africa, and other staff of the Daily Trust Foundation.