by Akan Ido

Isi Esene, the Associate Editor of YNaija.com and twenty five other journalists have graduated from an Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) programme at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU). AWARES is a 20-day training programme spread across three months.

The journalists, drawn from the print and electronic media, were nominated by their organisations and sponsored by Chevron.

The 26 journalists and participants in other professional programme were presented with certificates by the Pan African University at a graduation ceremony held at the University’s auditorium on November 28, 2014.

Mr. Deji Haastrup, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), congratulated the participants for successfully going through the programme that was aimed at empowering and enhancing their writing and reporting skills. He highlighted the importance of continuous learning, saying; “things are constantly evolving and there is always an opportunity to learn new ways of doing the same things.”

Ms. Nneka Ijeoma who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries commended Chevron for availing them the opportunity to hone their skills and also prepare them for the challenge of the digital age. “By its sponsorship, Chevron has demonstrated the saying that ‘give a man fish and you feed him for a day, but teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime’. Chevron is a company that does not believe in handouts, but is committed to building capacity and is constantly empowering Nigerians in various sectors…. Thank you for sponsoring us,” she added.

Dr. Mike Okolo, Acting Dean, School of Media and Communication, PAU, who was represented by Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Director, Academic Education, said the School was delighted at the opportunity to partner with Chevron in the area of capacity development for the journalists and urged the graduands to be agents of positive change wherever they go.

Isime Esene