The Lagos Voice trains LASU students on journalism ethics and media practice 

By Oluwarantimi Oludase

In a strategic move to train the next generation of media professionals and journalists, The Lagos Voice, a youth-focused media platform committed to telling impactful stories and amplifying the voices of young people, organized a training session for Campus Journalists at Lagos State University, Ojo.

The session, which took place on Friday, April 17, featured two segments.

The first interactive session was led by Oguadimma Chisom, Program Manager, The Lagos Voice, who spoke on the necessity of journalism, emphasizing that it goes beyond merely covering events and is focused on making an impact.

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She explained that “news reporting is the gathering of facts, verifying them, and presenting them in a way that people can understand.”

She also highlighted key qualities a journalist must possess, including accuracy, creativity, clarity, timeliness, and relevance.

Furthermore, she outlined the goals of a campus journalist, which include identifying problems, amplifying people’s voices, holding leaders accountable, and, most importantly, driving solutions.

Additionally, Chisom discussed the core elements of reporting, known as the 5Ws and 1H: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

She placed emphasis on going beyond surface-level answers, especially when addressing the “why” and “how” of any issue.

She concluded her session by discussing common mistakes journalists make, such as rushing to publish stories without proper verification, exhibiting bias in reporting, and failing to fact-check.

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Participants were encouraged to take their time, cross-check facts, write in a simple and engaging manner, uphold ethical standards, and maintain professionalism in their work.

The second session was facilitated by Mr. Hassan Abdulsalam, a Sports Journalist and multimedia practitioner. He spoke on the importance of journalism, describing it as a tool to inform, educate, and effectively communicate with the public.

He emphasized that the two most important assets for a journalist are “experience and exposure,” encouraging participants not to hesitate to publish once their facts have been properly gathered and verified.

Sharing his personal journey, he stated, “My journey started from my first year,” urging trainees to begin their own journeys immediately.

He further explained that success in journalism requires building strong relationships, gaining exposure through seminars and social media, and consistently developing experience.

Highlighting the role of digital platforms, he noted that “social media is meant to help tell the world what you do.” He advised members of LASU students to write boldly, serve as the voice of the people, and remain resilient.

Hassan also stressed that every successful journalist starts from somewhere, often from campus, and encouraged students to build meaningful connections as they are crucial for future growth. He also revealed that he wrote for several media organizations while still in his first year.

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In his closing remarks, he advised participants to be mindful of their associations, stating, “Look at who you follow and know how to relate with them.”

The Lagos Voice training session with students of LASU proved insightful and impactful, equipping participants with practical knowledge in journalism, reporting, and personal development. It also provided a strong foundation for aspiring campus journalists to begin their journey and contribute meaningfully to society.