In a move to equip journalists with the necessary tools and expertise to effectively cover the burgeoning tech ecosystem in the Niger Delta region, a training workshop was organized by StartupSouth Enterprise Development LTD/GTE. The workshop, which brought together 50 journalists from the South-South region, aimed to enhance their ability to utilize innovative technology in their reporting.

The training, led by a team of experienced professionals, including the Convener, Uche Aniche, the Head of News at Nigeria Info FM in Port Harcourt, Chioma Ezenwafor, and the Senior Tech Writer at TechCabal, Frank Eleanya, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends and technologies shaping the region.

Aniche emphasized the importance of the workshop, stating that it was designed to enable journalists to effectively report on the upcoming launch of innovative groundbreaking solutions built by Xend Finance, a fintech startup.

He urged the participants to be passionate and intentional in their understanding of technology innovation and to apply these skills in their daily reporting to promote accountability and transparency in the region.

Ezenwafor, one of the key facilitators, highlighted the evolving landscape of technology journalism, which now encompasses a wide range of sectors, including fintech, edtech, agritech, blockchain, and healthtech.

She emphasized the need for journalists to niche down and specialize in these areas, allowing them to report on the latest developments and the impact of these innovations on the lives of the people in the Niger Delta.

Eleanya, the Senior Tech Writer at Techcabal, encouraged the journalists to leverage the power of mobile apps and data analysis to craft compelling narratives and drive innovation reporting. He also stressed the importance of building a strong online presence and personal branding to engage with their audience effectively.

The training workshop also featured insights from Keni Akintoye, the Founder of iBrandTV, who urged the journalists to identify tech tools that can set them apart as experts in the field. He emphasized the need for journalists to understand data analysis and seamlessly integrate it into their reporting to produce high-quality, impactful stories.

The participants expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the training, recognizing its importance in equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape in the Niger Delta. They acknowledged the significant role that journalists can play in amplifying the voices of innovative startups, highlighting their impact, and holding them accountable.

As the region continues to witness a surge in technological advancements, this training workshop stands as a crucial step in empowering journalists to be at the forefront of innovation reporting.

By enhancing their ability to leverage technology, the participants are now better equipped to inform and engage their audiences, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the tech ecosystem in the Niger Delta.