Abuja: Stakeholders at the Solutions Journalism Africa Summit held in Abuja have rated Nigerian journalists high on community-driven solutions reportage across the country. The summit, themed ‘Reframing Africa’s Narratives through Solutions-Focused Storytelling,’ brought together reporters and change makers from across the continent to showcase initiatives driven by solutions-focused journalism.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch and host of the summit, highlighted the impact of solutions journalism since 2020, noting that it has reshaped news reporting in many newsrooms. Ihekweazu stated that her organization has trained and supported more than 30 media organizations on Solutions Journalism across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, spanning print, radio, and television. With over 500 solutions journalism stories recorded, communities and individuals are actively addressing problems, providing inspiration for problem-solving, and sharing lessons.
Similarly, Nina Fasciaux, Director of Partnership and Fellowships at the Solutions Journalism Network, praised Nigeria and other African countries for embracing solutions journalism. She expressed admiration for the work done by partners such as Nigeria Health Watch and Science Africa in Nairobi, noting that the practice is taking root widely and with enthusiasm in Nigeria and East African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
In his remarks, Ali, represented by Malam Ismail Abdulaziz, Head of NAN Multimedia and Solutions Journalism, emphasized the need for increased partnerships to deepen the practice in Nigeria. He highlighted the role of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in promoting solutions journalism, which not only highlights crises but also showcases solutions from different regions of the country. Ali called for collaborations in information and content sharing, fact-checking, and cross-border interactions to advance solutions journalism.
The summit also featured contributions from the Gates Foundation’s representative, Fatimah Alkali, and other media partners, who emphasized the impact of constructive journalism and urged more alliances to engage additional African countries in the solutions journalism movement.