Nigeria Network of NGOs Launches Journalism Fellowship with Three Inaugural Beneficiaries
The Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGOs) has officially announced the selection of three distinguished journalists for the inaugural phase of its newly established NNNGOs Journalism Fellowship. This landmark initiative is designed to enhance the quality and impact of journalism across Nigeria's diverse regions.
Meet the Selected Fellows
The fellowship recipients include Mr. Edward Nnachi, a correspondent for PUNCH Newspapers based in Ebonyi State, representing the South-East region. From the North-East, Mr. Vangawa Bolgent, an editor at the Gazette News in Borno State, has been chosen. Completing the trio is Nkechi Macaulay, a reporter and producer at 103.5FM Radio One in Lagos, which is part of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, representing the South-West.
These journalists were selected from an impressive pool of 368 applications, following a rigorous and thorough evaluation process. Their selection underscores the fellowship's commitment to geographic and professional diversity, ensuring representation from key thematic regions across the country.
Objectives and Structure of the Fellowship
The NNNGOs Journalism Fellowship is a comprehensive ten-month program running from March 2026 through December 2026. It aims to fortify Nigeria's democratic and civic space by empowering journalists with advanced skills and resources. According to the organizers, the survival and vitality of Nigeria's democracy hinge on the courage, versatility, and quality of its journalism.
During the fellowship, participants will engage in:
- Professional mentorship sessions with industry experts
- Periodic capacity-building workshops
- Data sharing initiatives to enhance reporting accuracy
- Post-fellowship activities to ensure sustained impact
Leadership Insights and Program Vision
At a recently concluded four-day training session that marked the commencement of the fellowship, Mr. Oyebisi Babatunde Oluseyi, the Executive Director of the Nigeria Network of NGOs, emphasized the program's critical role. He described it as a clarion call for Nigerian journalists to elevate their reportage to support national democracy and civic engagement.
Oluseyi elaborated on the fellowship's unique approach, stating, "This fellowship bridges two worlds that have operated in parallel for too long: the civic space and development impact. It equips journalists to report across both domains with equal rigour and editorial ambition."
He further highlighted the distinctive advantages of the program, noting, "In concrete terms, these journalists are set to become among the best-equipped in Nigeria. This is not due to any single tool or technique, but because they will operate at the intersection of civic space expertise, development data literacy, digital verification capabilities, multi-format production skills, and institutional safety infrastructure. Such a comprehensive combination is currently unmatched by any other fellowship program in the country."
The NNNGOs Journalism Fellowship represents a significant step towards nurturing a new generation of journalists who are adept at navigating the complexities of Nigeria's socio-political landscape. By fostering expertise in critical areas, the initiative aims to produce reporting that is not only informative but also instrumental in driving positive societal change.
