THE International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has been honoured with a Media Capacity Development Support Award.
It received the award from the Media Career Development Network.
According to the organiser, The ICR is recognised for its invaluable contributions to media capacity development in Nigeria.
The award ceremony took place at the Media Career Development Conference held in Lagos on Thursday, October 31.
Themed ‘Maximising Emerging Media Career Opportunites,’ the conference was convened by the executive director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin, and supported by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
In a welcome remark, Otufodunrin said it was important for journalists to pay more attention to their career development to fully maximise emerging opportunities, and resources in the media sector.
“We want to draw the attention of all categories of journalists to the need to be more intentional about taking necessary steps required for fulfilling their career goals and aspirations.
“We want to highlight global best practices and strategies for excelling in the profession. Most importantly, we want to show, through the personal stories of exceptional media professionals, how it can be done'” he said.
According to the convener, the conference is in line with their commitment to promoting excellence in media practice and enhancing the careers of Journalists and other media professionals in Nigeria and beyond.
The Nigeria editor at Africa Check, David Ajikobi, in a keynote presentation on ‘The Present, and Future of Media Work,’ urged journalists to upskill to remain relevant in the profession, stressing that upskilling is the only way they can continue to have jobs.
He urged the media to collaborate, noting that as technology advances, there will be increasing opportunities in information-related fields, particularly in data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI).
He stressed the current challenges in information, AI, analytics, and public statistics necessitate a new type of leader who is committed to truth and integrity.
“There is a vision for creating an environment where truth and integrity prevail over misinformation and sensationalism.
“A positive and adaptable mindset is crucial for navigating the evolving media landscape and embracing change,” Ajikobi posited.
He said the ability to adapt to changes is highlighted as essential for success in the future media environment, adding that a proactive and adaptable mindset is essential for individuals and leaders to thrive in an ever-changing media landscape.
The founder and director of Journalism Clinic, Taiwo Obe, urged journalists to develop the ability to think and to be able to provide solutions.
“You can create jobs by thinking and doing,” Obe, one of the speakers, maintained.