As part of efforts to strengthen professionalism and promote accountability in media practice, the United Correspondents Chapel (UCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, held a two-day capacity building workshop with the theme “Re-enacting Investigative Journalism: The Role of Correspondents.”
The workshop took place from November 11 to 12, 2025, at the Chapel Secretariat along Azikoro Road, Ekeki, Yenagoa.
Speaking during the opening session, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, represented by the Director of Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Dr. Sophia Obi, described the theme as relevant and well-suited to the evolving demands of the media industry. She urged journalists to go beyond traditional reporting by embracing digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance their work.
Dr. Obi emphasized the need for journalists to demonstrate courage and integrity in carrying out investigative assignments, noting that the media must continue to play its watchdog role in holding leaders accountable.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NUJ, Bayelsa State Council, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, represented by the Vice Chairman, Dr. Preye Enebraton, advised journalists to build capacity and adapt to the fast-evolving media landscape. He stressed that investigative journalism should not always be seen as negative reportage but as a constructive effort to promote transparency and good governance.
Delivering a paper on Investigative Journalism: Process, Challenges And Prospects In Contemporary Media Ecology , Mr. Enideneze Etete described investigative journalism as a specialized form of reporting that exposes wrongdoing through in-depth research, stressing the need for analytical skills, integrity, patience, and balance to produce credible stories.
Mr. Chris Odi, in his presentation on “News Writing,” defined news as a factual and significant account of recent events. He explained the three-part structure of news headline, intro, and body and urged journalists to adopt the inverted pyramid style, use active verbs, and keep their leads simple for better reader comprehension.
The Director General of New Media, Dr. Kola Oredipe, commended the UCC for hosting the workshop and encouraged journalists to uphold the principles of investigative journalism in addressing societal ills without fear or favour.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the United Correspondents Chapel, Prince Ekankumo Amgbare, described the workshop as a fulfillment of his campaign promise and a milestone achievement for the current executive inaugurated on July 1, 2025. He expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, for their support in creating an enabling environment for media practitioners.
Prince Amgbare appreciated the guests, the executive, and members of the UCC for their contributions to the success of the workshop.
