From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The United Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union Journalists, Bayelsa State Council has organized a two day capacity building workshop with the “Theme:Re-enacting Investigative Journalism: The Role of Correspondents at the Chapel Secretariat along Azikoro road in Ekeki, Yenagoa
The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Bayelsa State, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou.Koku Obiyai, represented by the Director Public Enlightenment and Orientation in the Ministry, Dr. Sophia Obi said the theme of the Workshop is very apt and timely, and enjoined journalists to go beyond traditional media practice to acquire AI skills, learn new things, demonstrate uncommon courage to conduct investigative journalism and effectively play the watchdog role to hold leaders accountable.
Dr. Sophia Obi promised to convey the appeal of the Chapel for more slots to cover government programmes to the Honourable Commissioner of Information.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NUJ, Bayelsa State Council, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, represented by the Vice Chairman, Dr. Preye Enebraton urged journalists to build capacity to get acquainted with the dynamics of the changing media land scape to improve news delivery saying that investigative journalism must not be always based on negative reportage but must be objective and sustainable.
He advised government of the day not to regard investigative journalism as an attempt by media practitioners to discredit leaders but as a stock taking to deepened their performance.
In his presentation on the theme: Re-enacting Investigative Journalism: The Role of Correspondents, the Lead Guest Lecturer, Mr. Enideneze Etete described investigative journalism as an aspect of specialized news journalism which is to espouse and correct misconduct with a longer deadline which he stated involves scientific research, with strong observatory skills, courage, integrity and dig deeper to unravel the truth anchored on balance, fair and accurate reporting.
In his presentation, a retired Director of Information, Mr. Chris” Odi on “News writing described news as a factual account of a recent event that is note worthy with significance, conflict and prominence.
He identified headline, intro and body as the three part structure of news which he stated is written in inverted pyramid style and advised journalists to use active verbs to cast headlines and avoid use of definite articles, not to overloaded the lead and make it simple with minimum of 30 to 35 words for the understanding of readers
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of United Correspondent Chapel, Prince Ekaunkumo Amgbare said the capacity workshop is a fulfillment of one of his campaign promises and a milestone achievement of the current Exco Inaugurated on 1st July, 2025 and the adoption of a bye to regulate the conduct of members, commitment to excellence and professionalism.
He thanked the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon.Mrs.Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Douye Diri, Mr. Daniel Alabrah for their support and for creating the enabling environment for journalists to perform.
The Chapel Chairman thanked the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha and his Executive members, the United Correspondent Chapel members and all practicing journalists for supporting them to organize the workshop and appealed to the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy to increase the number of chapel members from three and above to cover government programmes.
Prince Ekaunkumo Amgbare thanked everyone for finding time to attend the workshop.
The Director General New Media, Dr. Kola Oredipe in his solidarity speech commended United Correspondent Chapel for organizing the workshop and encouraged journalists to practice investigative journalism to correct ills plaguing the society not minding whose ox is goad.
