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Journalists Advised to Embrace Act of Inclusive Storytelling

Journalists Advised to Embrace Act of Inclusive Storytelling
By: Michael Mike
Journalists have been asked to embrace the act of inclusive storytelling in their trade as it remains a powerful tool that inspires individuals and communities to make positive decisions towards a better future.
The Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI), Dr. Adaora Sydney – Jack gave the advice at the Gender the Agenda Project Story Circle Exhibition and Award Presentation in Abuja.
Sydney -Jack, also explained that the power of Inclusive storytelling plays a vital role in driving social and political progress.
She said: “In today’s media landscape, where attention spans are short, and information overload is a constant challenge, the power of storytelling in journalism had never been more crucial. By harnessing the motive and transformative potential of storytelling, tourists can cut through the noise, capture audiences’ attention and drive meaningful engagement with important issues. Whether it’s through long-form features, traditional media, talk shows, multimedia presentations, journalists have a vast array of tools at their disposal to craft narratives that inform, inspire, investigate and ignite.”
She added that effective journalism must be balanced and factual, explaining that: “It is essential to recognise that effective inclusive storytelling in journalism requires a dedicated balance between facts and narrative techniques. While the core facts must remain accurate and verifiable, journalists can use storytelling devices to engage their audience and create a memorable impact. This blend of factual accuracy and storytelling prowess is what distinguishes great journalism from mere reporting”.
She also said that the power of Inclusive storytelling in journalism lies in the ability to spur action, while disclosing that: “The Story Circle Exhibition is not just an exhibition of stories of journalists but a barring of their efforts, the challenges, the resilience,the determination in seeking the truth and demanding accountability on issues as they concern our target demography who are women and persons with disabilities within the FCT. It is also a consideration of what can happen when you dare the odds and redefine opportunities in an environment where the journalist is seen as an opponent rather than the path finder.”
Also speaking, the Director MacArthur Foundation, Mr. Kole Shettima,said his organisation takes priority in work around accountabilities, strengthening the criminal justice system in the society , and bringing about behavioural change, to support Civil Society Organisation (CSO).
He said: “We support the work around investigative journalism because we believe that accountability journalism is critical and important for the progress and development of our country. We believe that duty bearers must be held accountable and we do that through the reality that our journalists are going through what other journalists are going through around the globe. We believe that supporting journalists to do independent work is important towards editorial independence. In all the work we do, we approach it towards gender and social inclusion perspectives. In doing this work around gender social inclusion , we pay attention to gender, disability. PWD.”
On her part, the Executive Director, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Motunrayo Alaka, who was represented by Kimberly Chukwu, said: “The MacArthur Foundation, strive to build an ecosystem where transparency, accountability and good governance thrive at all levels of government—especially at the state and local levels.
“Together, we have cultivated a space where investigative journalism is not only about uncovering the truth but also about ensuring that the voices of the marginalised are central to the narratives we construct. Gender-lensed reporting is not just an optional approach; it is essential for nuanced and comprehensive understanding of current issues. When we include the perspectives of women in our stories, we move closer to the truth, recognising that the experiences of half of our population are integral to the fabric of our society.”
A cash of N100,000 was given to each of the two winners of the competition, Laraba Murey and Momso Damien
The story circle exhibition was organised by Gender Strategy Advancement International supported by Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism investigative and MacArthur Foundation.
Journalists Advised to Embrace Act of Inclusive Storytelling
News
Three Bandits Killed as Terrorists Attack Chediya Community in Tsafe LGA

Three Bandits Killed as Terrorists Attack Chediya Community in Tsafe LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
At least three suspected terrorists were neutralised on Sunday following a violent attack on Chediya community in Agarin ward of Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
According to local sources, armed bandits stormed the village in the early hours, opening fire and setting several houses ablaze. The residents, however, mounted stiff resistance, engaging the attackers in a fierce confrontation that resulted in the death of three of the assailants.
While the villagers succeeded in repelling the attackers, the bandits also burned down several homes and forced many families to flee for safety.
“They came heavily armed and started shooting sporadically. Some of our youth confronted them, and in the fight, we managed to kill three of them,” said a resident who asked not to be named for security reasons.
Three Bandits Killed as Terrorists Attack Chediya Community in Tsafe LGA
News
Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution

Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), on Monday, called for urgent global action to tackle plastic pollution causing environmental crisis.
APWEN, under its “STEM for All” initiative, North-East zone, made the call, while commemorating the 2025 World Environment Day in Gombe.
Speaking virtually, President of APWEN, Engr. Adebisi Osim, said it is imperative to encourage recycling of plastics, as part of measures to reduce pollution.
Osim noted that the amount of plastics manufactured annually for use had made it necessary for urgent actions to be taken, to ensure a cleaner and safer environment.
“Today’s theme, “End Plastic Pollution” is not just a catchy phrase, It is a wake-up call; a global one and we are answering that call, not with panic, but with STEM-driven solutions and people-centered action.
“According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the world produces over 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, and over two-thirds of that becomes waste.
“Alarmingly, less than 10 per cent is recycled, and the rest clogs our drains, litters our streets, chokes our rivers, and poisons marine life.
“Here in Nigeria, the World Bank estimates that Lagos alone generates 13,000 metric tonnes of waste per day, and 15 per cent of that is plastic.
“We see it daily in pure water sachets lining our gutters, single-use bags littering markets, and microplastics infiltrating our food chains,” she said
.
Osim called on stakeholders to invest more in recycling the plastics towards reducing the need for new plastic production, which will in turn lower greenhouse gas emission.
She assured that state chapters are collaborating with young people, to design plastic alternatives, using local materials, and to build waste-sorting systems using simple robotics.
Osim added that the chapters will also explore the conduct of STEM fairs, which are focused on sustainable innovation.
In the same vein, Chairman of the Gombe chapter of APWEN, Engr. Deborah Danladi, urged stakeholders to invest in plastic waste recycling, to save the environment, as well as create jobs and wealth for youths.
Danladi also underscored the need for more action and sensitisation to ensure collective approach to addressing the menace of plastic pollution.
Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution
News
UN Agencies Drum Support for Adequate Investment in MSMEs

UN Agencies Drum Support for Adequate Investment in MSMEs
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations (UN) agencies in Nigeria have hammered on the need for adequate investment in the development of Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to advance economic growth in the country.
The agencies disclosed this during the commemoration ceremony of the 2025 MSMEs Day on Monday in Abuja.
The event was jointly organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Director, UNIDO Sub-regional Office, Abuja, Mr. Philbert Johnson, who was represented by National Programme Officer at UNIDO, Mr. Reuben Bamidele,, said that MSMEs role in nation building cannot be underestimated, therefore the need for adequate investment to ensure their sustainable growth is of uppermost importance.
Johnson said: “We are gathered together today to discuss proper ways to promote innovation and growth within the MSMEs sector.
“In Nigeria, as we know not less than 40million MSMEs are making huge contribution to the economic growth of the country, by providing employment and serving as means of livelihood for people.
“MSMEs, thereby, contribute to the growth of Gross Domestic Products across sectors of the country’s economy. We gathered to dissect the challenges MSMEs face and also, to work closely together towards achieving sustainable growth.”
The ILO Country Representative, Dr Vanessa Phala, stressed the need for strategic measures to be taken to bolster MSMEs impact on the nation’s economy.
Phala, who was represented by ILO’s National Project Coordinator for the Social Dimension of Ecological Transition, Stephen Agugua, said: “We look at how MSMEs can drive the future of the economy through job creation and employment. When you think of job creation and employment that is where ILO comes in.
“MSMEs are key to the growth of every economic sphere: Through this dialogue platform ILO will know the challenges MSMEs are facing and look at pathways for ensuring sustainable solutions collectively.”
The UNDP Deputy-Director, Ms Varsha Redkar-Palepu, represented the National Programme Specialist and Trade Focal Point at UNDP by Claire Henshaw,, described MSMEs as pivotal to nation building.
She noted that MSMEs form the foundation of inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria, “MSMEs are vital engines for job creation, innovation and social mobilisation, particularly for women and youths. While operating on margins of formal economic systems, we need to put MSMEs at the centre of our development.
“In Nigeria and across Africa, MSMEs holds the key to transforming economic opportunities to meaningful development and the ambition into tangible outcomes,” Phala said.
On his part, Managing-Director of Prohealth, a private organisation, Dr Chinedu Nnabuihe who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), commended the UN agencies for putting the event together.
According to him, the event is dedicated to the invaluable role MSMEs play in advancing innovation, creating jobs, increasing inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the country.
“In Nigeria, MSMEs are the engine of our economy, driving local production, supporting livelihood and contributing significantly to national GDPs. This is amidst challenges posed by economic situation, limited access to finance and infrastructure.
“Nigeria MSMEs have continued to demonstrate resilience, creativity and determination. At NECA we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an enabling environment in supporting MSMEs development,” Nnabuihe said.
The event attracted stakeholders from Small and Medium Enterprises Development (SMEDAN), Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigeria Association of of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Others include, National Insurance Commission (NICOM), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
Highpoint of the event was visit by the stakeholders to the exhibition stand of MSMEs, overview of UNDP engagement with MSMEs, government agencies’ engagement with MSMEs and WIP-intellectual property for MSMEs.
End
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