No fewer than 80 journalists in Oyo State have received specialised training in automotive reporting as part of efforts to strengthen capacity in covering the sector.
The training, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, in partnership with AutoClinicNG, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Participants drawn from various chapels across the state were exposed to practical knowledge and hands-on sessions aimed at enhancing their understanding of the automotive sector.
The programme, held under the leadership of the NUJ Chairman in the state, Comrade Akeem Abas, was designed to broaden journalists’ capacity and deepen their reporting skills in the specialised beat.
Facilitating the session, the Chief Executive Officer of AutoClinicNG, Mr. Tunde Onakoya, described automotive journalism as a critical tool for national development rather than just a reporting beat.
“Automotive reporting should not be seen merely as a beat, but as a critical lens for driving national development,” he said.
He emphasised that journalists must approach the sector with depth and a strong sense of responsibility, given its role in economic growth, innovation and public safety.
Onakoya decried what he described as widespread under-reporting in the automotive sector, urging media practitioners to adopt more data-driven approaches in their reportage.
He noted that despite challenges associated with data availability in Nigeria, journalists could rely on reports from international organisations and the National Bureau of Statistics to strengthen their stories.
The facilitator also encouraged the use of grassroots reporting techniques, including vox pops and engagement with stakeholders such as mechanics, spare parts dealers and regulatory bodies.
According to him, such methods would help bridge data gaps and ensure that journalists amplify the voices of the people while producing credible and balanced reports.
Onakoya further highlighted challenges in the automotive sector, including the proliferation of fake spare parts and poor maintenance culture, attributing the trend to economic realities and weak regulation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the NUJ, Akeem Abas, represented by the Vice Chairman, Abiodun Atilola, reiterated the union’s commitment to capacity building.
Abas described continuous training as central to improving journalistic standards in the state and pledged sustained efforts to equip members with relevant skills.
He noted that the impressive turnout at the March training session indicated that his administration in few months had surpassed the benchmark of training at least 300 journalists within three years.
The training forms part of ongoing initiatives by the NUJ to strengthen professional competence and enhance the quality of reportage in Oyo State, particularly in specialised sectors such as automotive journalism.
Packaged by Temitayo Afolabi
