The two-day media training, which was held on the 29th 30th October, 2025, focused on enhancing the capacity of journalists in key areas such as new media, legal defence, finance and economic reporting, oil and gas, among others.
Speaking at the event, Yemisi Diya-Salawu, Director, Legal, IHS Nigeria, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, noting that the company’s impact report for 2023 and 2024 demonstrated its commitment to fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Diya-Salawu, who came in company of Bond Abbe, Associate Director, Government and External Relations; Sylva Ifedigbo, Associate Director, Corporate Communications; Asmau Smaila, Associate Director, Sustainability and Olufunso Adeolu, Manager, External Communications, emphasised the critical role the media plays in society, particularly in keeping citizens informed, deepening democracy, and developing national life.
She emphasised that the training aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their profession, expressing confidence that the training would be a worthwhile activity for the journalists, given the topical nature of the subjects and the impressive list of resource persons.
“By sponsoring this training, IHS Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to creating conditions for people and communities to thrive. The company looks forward to a rewarding session and continued partnership with the NUJ Ogun State Chapter in promoting a professional and vibrant media community”, she said.
According to her, the company sees itself as “Nigeria’s backbone of digital possibilities,ensuring that connectivity drives socio-economic growth while being pursued responsibly and sustainably.
“Beyond building sustainable, energy efficient, and secure infrastructure solutions, we are deeply committed to creating conditions for people and communities to thrive today and for generations to come,” she added.
Diya-Salawu further noted that IHS Nigeria’s sustainability strategy is anchored on four key pillars ethics and governance, environment and climate change, education and economic growth, and people and communities.
“We hope this training motivates journalists working in Ogun State to become even more professional in their work, aim for excellence, and find fulfilment in it.”
Kayode Akinmade, Ogun State Government Head of Media Team, representing Governor Dapo Abiodun and Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the State Government, while declaring the training open, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government and the media in driving development.
Akinmade noted that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and promoting government initiatives, saying the training would have a way of addressing challenges faced by the media practitioners in Nigeria, including limited access to information, physical assaults, and harassment of journalists, among others.
But, Razaq Ayinla, Chairman, Ogun State NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, agreed that Journalism in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including gaps in structured mentorship for young reporters, career planning and growth opportunities, digital literacy, and leadership development.
He, however, believes that with the support of organisations like IHS Nigeria Limited, journalism can bridge the perceived gaps and promote excellence in journalism, commending IHS Nigeria Limited for their commitment to media development and partnership.
“IHS Nigeria Limited’s sponsorship of this media training is a testament to its dedication to promoting responsible journalism and deepening democratic governance in Nigeria”, Ayinla said.
