The session was followed by a commitment segment, during which participants pledged to apply their newfound knowledge to enhance transparency and accountability.
By TheInvestigator
Investigative journalists from across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria gathered at Um-neak Hotels, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for a one-day pitching workshop on reporting digital surveillance. Organized by Policy Alert in collaboration with the Action Group on Free Civic Space, the event provided participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for navigating and reporting on issues related to cybersecurity and digital authoritarianism.
The event officially opened with remarks from Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Executive Director of Policy Alert. Bolton-Akpan represented by Faith Paulinus, Governance Reforms and Anti-Corruption Lead emphasized the critical role of investigative journalists in shedding light on digital surveillance trends and protecting civic space.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, the Ministry of Information, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, who commended the initiative and pledged institutional support for investigative reporting in the digital era.
Esther Eyankudue, Program Lead, provided an overview of the project, highlighting the importance of empowering journalists with digital safety skills to counter emerging threats.
The first presentation, titled Safe Reporting in the Digital Age: Cybersecurity and Data Protection Best Practices for Journalists, was delivered by Ekemini Simon. The session addressed practical measures to ensure data security and journalist safety in an increasingly digitized media landscape.
After a brief tea break, Joachim Onwe took the stage to present Digital Authoritarianism in Nigeria: What Journalists Can Learn from the Security Playbook Reports. This session unpacked the strategies used by authoritarian regimes and how journalists can remain vigilant in safeguarding democracy.
The third presentation, led by Ibanga Isine, focused on Tools and Techniques for Investigative Reporting in the Digital Age. Participants gained insights into leveraging modern technologies for investigative journalism.
The workshop also included a pitching session led by Jeremiah Archibong, where journalists presented story ideas for potential collaboration and funding. He took the participants through the nitty-gritty of pitching.
The session was followed by a commitment segment, during which participants pledged to apply their newfound knowledge to enhance transparency and accountability.
