President of the Congress of African Journalists, who is also the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr Christopher Isiguzo, has commended the Union of African Journalists (UAJ) and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation for organizing a training course for young African Journalists.
According to him, the gathering of young journalists from across the African continent signifies the vital role journalism plays in shaping societies and promoting dialogue and understanding.
“As President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), I commend the efforts of the UAJ in providing this platform for capacity building and networking. Training programs like this empower journalists to uphold ethical standards, pursue excellence, and contribute meaningfully to our collective discourse,” he said.
He gave the commendation at the opening of the 58th training course organized by the two institutions in Cairo, Egypt.
The training is being organized by the Union of African Journalists (UAJ), in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Media Regulation.
This year’s training brought together 13 journalists from African countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Congo Brazzaville, Chad, Morocco, Tanzania, and Kenya, and five from Egypt.
The three-week training programme which is held every year is meant to build the capacities of journalists, enhance their skills and allow them to network with other Journalists on the African Continent to share ideas.
In his remarks, Dr Christopher Isiguzo, expressed gratitude to the organizers for their generous offer to cover all logistical arrangements, ensuring that all participants can focus entirely on their learning experience.
He believed that the commitment to supporting emerging journalists reflects the dedication of the UAJ and its partners to fostering a vibrant and informed media landscape in Africa.
He encouraged participants to use the the opportunity fully to engage with their peers, absorb the knowledge shared by the esteemed trainers, and return to their respective countries equipped, to drive positive change through their reporting.
“Let us use this occasion not only to enhance our professional skills but also to forge lasting connections that transcend borders and strengthen the fabric of African journalism. Together, we have the power to elevate our profession and amplify the voices of our communities,” he advised.
Dr Christopher Isiguzo again urged all participants to approach the training course with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence.
“Your role as journalists is crucial in shaping narratives, promoting accountability, and fostering unity across our diverse continent,” he added.
Meanwhile, the training which opened on Saturday, April 20 will end on May 9, 2024.
Activities
The organizers have assigned experts in various fields to take participants through a series of topics including,” Energies in Africa: Possibilities and Challenges, Freedom of the Press in Times of Conflict and Social Media, Mobile Journalism in the Newsroom, Political and Economic Empowerment of African Women, Artificial intelligence, Cyber Security and Terrorism: New Global Challenges and Intra-Trade in Africa.”
Others are, “Development Vision in Egypt within the Last 10 Years, Covering Conflicts between Professionalism and Politics and other important topics.”
Aside from the theoretical aspects, participants will visit tourist sites including the Citadel of Saladin, Khan El Khalily and Al Moez St, the Religious Complexe (Old Cairo), the Pyramids and Sphynx, and as well enjoy a dinner by the UAJ (Nile Cruise).
The participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Middle East News Agency (MENA), some newspaper agencies, Alexandria City, the Civilizations Museum, and the American University in Cairo(AUC), and experience an African Cultural Day amongst others.
Meanwhile, those overseeing the organization of the training, including the safety and movements of participants are
Mr. Mahfouz el Ansari, President of the Union of African Journalists, Dr. Samia Abbass, Secretary General of the Union,
Ambassador Mohamed Hegazi, Member of the Technical Committee of the Union.
Others in ensuring the success of the training are Mr Karam Gabr, President of the Supreme Council, Conseiller Yasser El Maabadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council and
Mr. Saleh el Salhi, Deputy of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation.
Mrs. Amal Abdelmotelb, Director of the Training and Media Studies Center Related to the Supreme Council and
Mr. Abdelaziz Mohamed, who is responsible for African Francophones Broadcasters Training Sessions at the Training and Media Studies Center is also working assiduously to ensure the successful end of the training.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
