Themed ‘Enhancing Business and Economy: The Role of the Media,’ the comprehensive training focused on four critical categories, addressing the pivotal role of the media in business and economic development.

Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman of NUJ Lagos Council, extended a warm welcome to participants, expressing gratitude to Chevron Nigeria Limited for sponsoring the commendable training initiative aimed at broadening the scope of understanding the nation’s business and economic landscape.

“At this crucial period of economic rejuvenation, this training becomes imperative to gather diverse opinions and perspectives on steering Nigeria’s economy towards stability and growth,” Ajayi stated.

He emphasized the necessity of transforming Nigeria’s economy for the benefit of all, lauding Chevron’s dedication to contributing to the nation’s economic transformation.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Esimaje Birikinn, represented by Joy Emeghara, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, commended journalists for their role in disseminating informative content to society, acknowledging their influence as agenda-setters and opinion shapers.

“We appreciate your significant contributions in reporting the oil and gas industry and providing insightful perspectives on its complex operations. Chevron remains committed to partnering with the media for societal development and believes in enhancing the capacity of media practitioners for effective performance,” said Emeghara.

The training encompassed topics ranging from reshaping Nigeria’s oil & gas industry to understanding budget interpretations and the role of money & capital markets in the country’s economic transformation. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on these subjects, seeking to broaden their insights and professional capabilities.

At the conclusion of the training, attendees commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for investing substantially in the Niger-Delta region and advocated for increased corporate social responsibility efforts within local communities. Additionally, they emphasized the necessity of transparency and accountability in the oil, gas, and solid minerals sectors.

The participating journalists commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restructuring the Ministry of Transport and urged Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to engage multinational companies in Nigeria’s maritime sector for the benefit of indigenous shipping companies, emphasizing the need for investments in maritime tourism, security, and seafarer capacity development.

Participants highlighted the importance of investigative journalism in scrutinizing past budget estimates and project costs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective utilization of resources.

Chevron Nigeria Limited received accolades for its commitment to enhancing the capacity of NUJ members despite current economic challenges, prompting a call for other multinational companies to emulate Chevron’s investment in journalist capacity development in Lagos State.