A lecturer in the department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, Dr Ridwan Kolawole has hosted a capacity-building workshop on solutions journalism for journalists in Oyo State.
The workshop was held at the premises of the University of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
It was attended by scores of journalists from different media houses that cut across print, electronic and online media.
Kolawole while speaking at the training, held at the Postgraduate Lecture Room of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, noted that the training was aimed to reposition Nigerian journalism by encouraging practitioners to move beyond problem-centric narratives and spotlight evidence-based responses to societal issues.
He said that the initiative stemmed from the rising need for journalists to embrace solutions journalism as a professional framework.
He expressed gratitude to the Head of Department, Dr. Bisi Olawuyi, for supporting the programme and appreciated the two facilitators Dr. Rasheed Adebiyi and Mr. Mutiu Iyanda for their contributions.
Kolawole while addressing the gathering said “This training is entirely self-funded. Our goal is simple: to deepen understanding of solutions journalism what it means, the steps involved, and the pillars that sustain it.”
Participants received insightful sessions from Dr. Adebiyi and Dr. Kolawole on the principles and practice of solutions journalism, while Iyanda led a discussion on its economics and long-term sustainability within Nigeria’s media landscape.
Olawuyi in his remarks, praised Kolawole for initiating the training, describing it as timely and impactful. He also revealed plans for a major solutions journalism workshop next year as part of the department’s 50th anniversary activities.
He urged participants to incorporate the lessons into their daily reporting, reinforcing the importance of journalism that informs, enlightens and drives change.