MAJI equips A’Ibom journalists with data skills for environmental reporting

Etim Ekpimah

The Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI) has strengthened the capacity of journalists in Akwa Ibom State through a specialised training programme focused on the use of scientific data in environmental reporting.

The workshop, supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), was held on Thursday, 26 February, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Uyo. It brought together 20 journalists drawn from across the state to promote evidence-based journalism in the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the event, MAJI’s Environment and Conservation Officer, Ikechukwu Ahaka, identified poor access to reliable environmental data as a major obstacle to effective reporting and public accountability. According to him, the gap between scientific research and media coverage has continued to limit public engagement and weaken policy responses to environmental challenges in the region.

He urged journalists to ground their environmental stories in verified data, stressing that data-driven reporting can inspire constructive civic participation and hold authorities accountable. Ahaka added that improving journalists’ ability to interpret and apply scientific findings would enhance transparency and give a stronger voice to community concerns.

The one-day session formed part of a broader regional initiative that has already covered Bayelsa State and is expected to extend to Rivers State. It is designed to deepen investigative journalism through participatory technology and structured data storytelling.

Participants received practical training on modern data collection tools, including sensor-based monitoring systems, satellite imagery, mobile data applications and low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The facilitators also demonstrated field sampling techniques to improve accuracy in environmental investigations.

Beyond technical skills, discussions highlighted persistent challenges such as restricted access to government data, bureaucratic bottlenecks and safety risks faced by reporters during fieldwork. Participants called for improved institutional collaboration, open-data policies and stronger community-based monitoring systems to support credible environmental journalism.

In a separate presentation, facilitator and lecturer Prince Eze underscored the importance of basing advocacy efforts on solid evidence. He described advocacy as a structured process that draws attention to specific issues and guides decision-makers towards practical solutions. Eze warned that weak data systems often result in flawed policies and encouraged journalists to adopt strategic, evidence-led approaches when engaging stakeholders.

The training concluded with hands-on exercises in data cleaning, organisation, visualisation and interpretation, enabling participants to transform raw figures into compelling environmental reports.

Many attendees described the programme as timely and impactful, expressing confidence that the skills acquired would significantly improve the quality and depth of environmental reporting in Akwa Ibom State.