Shukurat Olajire
The first edition of the Solutions Journalism Meetup in Osogbo has called on journalists to shift focus from negative news to reporting stories that inspire positive change and provide solutions to societal issues.
With the theme, “Telling Stories that Drive Change: Solutions Journalism for Sustainable Development,” the event supported by the Nigeria Health Watch through the Solutions Journalism Network’s second phase of the Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative.
While speaking, Dr. Adebiyi Rasheed, the lead facilitator, emphasized the need to move beyond mere problem reporting to highlight how people and communities are solving challenges.
He also stressed the negative impact of excessive negative news on mental health, noting that a constant stream of such stories can erode public optimism and contribute to anxiety.
Dr. Rasheed further explained the economic viability of solutions journalism, stating that journalists can earn significantly from producing stories that inspire action and change.
Mr. Ahmad Amobi, guided the attendees on how to pitch solutions-focused stories to editors, providing insights into the types of stories that resonate with media outlets. Amobi’s session was highly interactive, offering practical tips on crafting pitches that highlight both the problem and the innovative solutions being implemented.
However, four participants were given the opportunity to pitch their solutions stories.
Toheeb Babalola, one of the participants, pitched “TeensMitigatingMalaria, Turn Waste To Eco-friendly Stools” in Yemetu, Ibadan.
While Ghaffahr Adekunle, another participant, pitched “an Instagram DM conversation led tofree eye-care for over 1000 people” in Lagos.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the event, calling it an eye-opener that challenged the conventional approach to journalism in Nigeria.
“Thank you for organising the meet-up,it was really insightful and I learnt a lot,” Naqeebah Mohammed, a serving corp member with the Nigerian Television Authority Osogbo commented.
“It was educative and also offered a platform that brought together people of like minds to share ideas and learn from one another. I think the purpose of the program was achieved,” Taiwo Fatola, a medical student from Osun State University, Osogbo, remarked.
“It was an exciting time, with new highlights and good response to the blurry face of journalism in the hands of Heart-Breaking/Just-in news outlets,” Toheeb Babalola, a freelance reporter with Premium Times also commented.
The interactive session, they said, marked a new beginning for a journalism narrative that focuses on hope and progress rather than solely on problems.
The Osogbo SoJo meetup has laid a strong foundation for journalists, communications, journalism enthusiasts to embrace solutions journalism and tell stories that drive sustainable development across various sectors.
The meetup was attended by Dr Raheemat Adeniran, the Dean, College of Management and Social Sciences, Dr. Azeez Olusegun Sanni among other emerging journalists and content creators from across Osun State.