By Olukayode Idowu
Journalists have been asked to embrace the act of inclusive storytelling in their trade as it remains a powerful tool that inspires individuals and communities to make positive decisions towards a better future.
The Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI), Dr. Adaora Sydney – Jack gave the advice at the Gender Agenda Project Story Circle Exhibition and Award Presentation in Abuja.
Sydney -Jack, also explained that the power of Inclusive storytelling plays a vital role in driving social and political progress.
She said: “In today’s media landscape, where attention spans are short, and information overload is a constant challenge, the power of storytelling in journalism had never been more crucial. By harnessing the motive and transformative potential of storytelling, tourists can cut through the noise, capture audiences’ attention and drive meaningful engagement with important issues. Whether it’s through long-form features, traditional media, talk shows, multimedia presentations, journalists have a vast array of tools at their disposal to craft narratives that inform, inspire, investigate and ignite.”
She added that effective journalism must be balanced and factual, explaining that: “It is essential to recognise that effective inclusive storytelling in journalism requires a dedicated balance between facts and narrative techniques. While the core facts must remain accurate and verifiable, journalists can use storytelling devices to engage their audience and create a memorable impact. This blend of factual accuracy and storytelling prowess is what distinguishes great journalism from mere reporting”.
She also said that the power of Inclusive storytelling in journalism lies in the ability to spur action, while disclosing that: “The Story Circle Exhibition is not just an exhibition of stories of journalists but a barring of their efforts, the challenges, the resilience,the determination in seeking the truth and demanding accountability on issues as they concern our target demography who are women and persons with disabilities within the FCT. It is also a consideration of what can happen when you dare the odds and redefine opportunities in an environment where the journalist is seen as an opponent rather than the path finder.”
Also speaking, the Director MacArthur Foundation, Mr. Kole Shettima,said his organisation takes priority in work around accountabilities, strengthening the criminal justice system in the society , and bringing about behavioural change, to support Civil Society Organisation (CSO).
He said: “We support the work around investigative journalism because we believe that accountability journalism is critical and important for the progress and development of our country. We believe that duty bearers must be held accountable and we do that through the reality that our journalists are going through what other journalists are going through around the globe. We believe that supporting journalists to do independent work is important towards editorial independence. In all the work we do, we approach it towards gender and social inclusion perspectives. In doing this work around gender social inclusion , we pay attention to gender, disability. PWD.”
On her part, the Executive Director, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Motunrayo Alaka, who was represented by Kimberly Chukwu, said: “The MacArthur Foundation, strive to build an ecosystem where transparency, accountability and good governance thrive at all levels of government—especially at the state and local levels.
“Together, we have cultivated a space where investigative journalism is not only about uncovering the truth but also about ensuring that the voices of the marginalised are central to the narratives we construct. Gender-lensed reporting is not just an optional approach; it is essential for nuanced and comprehensive understanding of current issues. When we include the perspectives of women in our stories, we move closer to the truth, recognising that the experiences of half of our population are integral to the fabric of our society.”
A cash of N100,000 was given to each of the two winners of the competition, Laraba Murey and Momso Damien
The story circle exhibition was organised by Gender Strategy Advancement International supported by Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism investigative and MacArthur Foundation.
