The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States, Timothy Smith, has underscored the critical role of journalism in promoting free speech and public accountability during the fifth edition of the Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic held in Lagos.
Smith attended the session, which was facilitated by award-winning journalist and U.S. government exchange alumnus, Odinaka Anudu. The clinic focused on equipping emerging business and economic reporters with practical skills for covering Nigeria’s evolving trade and investment environment.
Addressing participants, the Acting DCM described journalism as a cornerstone of democratic societies and encouraged attendees to deploy their newly acquired knowledge to produce accurate, balanced, and data-driven reports. He stressed that credible reporting is essential to helping citizens understand how economic and trade policies directly impact their lives and livelihoods.
Organised in partnership with the Media Career Development Network, the bi-monthly clinic has, since its inception, trained more than 100 emerging journalists drawn from print, online, radio, and television platforms, contributing to capacity development within Nigeria’s media landscape.
