By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Renowned Nigerian journalist and Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Aniekeme Finbarr, has been awarded the prestigious United States Department of State IVLP Impact Award Grant for 2024. The award recognizes Finbarr’s innovative “Next Generation Journalists” project, which aims to equip fresh graduates of journalism with contemporary skills in digital media, AI, and ethical reporting.
The project, launched on Thursday in Uyo, will provide training and mentorship to 60 journalism students from three tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State. The ceremony featured a formal launch by Amanda Brown, Acting Public Affairs Officer of the US Consulate General in Lagos, who praised Finbarr’s work as an example of what Nigerian youth can achieve.
“The impact awards provide follow-on support to outstanding alumni of this exchange program, and as only one of two Nigerians selected to receive funding this year, Aniekeme Finbarr’s work is truly remarkable,” Brown said.
Finbarr expressed his gratitude for the award and emphasized the project’s goals. “The primary goal of my impact project is to empower aspiring journalists with the necessary skills to excel in the evolving media landscape and make a great impact in their communities.”
The project on Day One featured a Digital Media, AI, and Ethical Reporting Training Course, with lectures delivered by experts in the field, including Mr. Dennis Scopas, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of South Sudan, and Mr. Ephraim Ekpo, a digital media expert.
Special Guests, Mr. Joseph Okon and Mandela Washington Fellow, Akan James, also inspired the participants.
Finbarr charged the participants to gear up for a glorious journalism future and thanked the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Exchange Alumni, and the U.S. Mission Nigeria for their support.
This award and project demonstrate Finbarr’s commitment to advancing journalism in Nigeria and empowering the next generation of journalists to excel in the digital age.
