No fewer than 90 journalists have been sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) for the Advanced Writing And Reporting Skills (AWAReS) at the Pan Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos State.
While addressing beneficiaries of the AWAReS programme for 2018, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) at CNL, Mr Esimaje Brikinn, disclosed that the gesture was in line with CNL strong belief in the development of human capital.
“CNL strongly believes in the development of human capital. In line Chevron’s core values of building productive and beneficial relationships, CNL has since 2014 sponsored journalists to the AWARes programme.
“The essence of this training is to expose journalists to qualitative improvement in performing their functions, through technical upgrade in fundamental knowledge of both the oil and gas industry in general and the operation of CNL in particular,” Mr Brikinn, who was represented by Mr Sola Adebawo, Manager in charge of Communications at the firm said.
“It is our hope that this visit will help move us further towards attaining these aspects of our goal.
“To date, the AWAReS programme has witnessed the participation of over 90 journalists from various segments of the mass media,” he added.
While commending the management of the Pan -Atlantic University for its academic excellence, Brikinn said, “Over the years, the Pan-Atlantic University has come to stand out in academic excellence and there has been many of positive feedbacks in line with this from past participants in the Chevron-sponsored AWAReS programme.
“Last year, the 2017 class visited us here in Chevron and their feedback showed that the programme added significant value to them as professionals. I hope it has been very enlightening, informative and beneficial to you too.”
“I feel certain thst your time at the Pan-Atlantic University will be of immense value in your reporting and overall communication career,” he added.
While charging the journalists to be objective in their reportage, Mr Brikinn said, “I encourage you to be balanced, fair,and accurate as you tell our stories…journalism isn’t just about telling a story , but telling it the right way.”
On his part, the President of the AWAReS 18 class, Mr Dele Akinsola of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while thanking Chevron for their sponsorship, said they (media practitioners) have been drilled and challenged in the course of the programme.
He said they have learnt, unlearnt and relearnt the skills and ethical principles of journalism, adding that they were all returning to their various media houses better equipped media practitioners.
