Faith Akumegbulem
Owerri, Nigeria – As climate change continues to disrupt communities in Imo State, journalists are stepping up to drive awareness and accountability through data-driven reporting. In a bid to equip media professionals with the skills needed to harness open data for investigative journalism, Harsco Media & Communications, with support from Open Knowledge Foundation and Dataopian, will host the Open Data Day 2025 Workshop on Thursday 6th February 2025 in Owerri, Imo State.
Themed “Empowering Journalists to Leverage Open Data for Climate and Agricultural Reporting,” the workshop will provide hands-on training on sourcing, analyzing, and visualizing open data to enhance climate and agricultural storytelling.
According to recent statistics, flooding in 2024 displaced 7,832 people and affected over 60,761 residents in Imo State, while 16% of erosion incidents in Owerri were linked to excessive rainfall. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for journalists to effectively use data in their reports to highlight climate-related challenges and drive policy actions.
The event will feature expert-led sessions by prominent journalists and data specialists, including:
- Udochukwu Chukwu – Investigative Journalism & Open Data
- Chinedu Hardy Nwadike – Data Sourcing & Visualization
- Adanna Ononiwu – Development Opportunities for Journalists
During the training, participants will explore real-life case studies on flooding, erosion, and agricultural productivity, while learning to use Open Data Editor to strengthen their investigative reporting. The sessions will also cover data visualization techniques, storytelling with open data, and leveraging digital tools for impact-driven journalism.
Speaking ahead of the event, Harriet Ijeomah emphasized the importance of empowering local journalists with data skills.
“The impact of climate change in Imo State is undeniable, yet many journalists lack access to the right data and tools to tell these critical stories effectively. This workshop will bridge that gap, ensuring that rural reporters can source credible data, analyze patterns, and create compelling reports that inspire change,” She stated.
With the generous support of Open Knowledge Foundation and Dataopian, this initiative will strengthen the capacity of local journalists, helping them integrate open data into their reporting and contribute to evidence-based climate action in Nigeria.
Interested journalists are encouraged to register early as slots are limited.
For more information and registration, contact 07072153907 via Whatsapp.
