BY: NEWS EDITOR, JUNE 19, 2026/ 11:40PM

Lake Chad Times, Yerwa Express News, and the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Maiduguri Chapter, have concluded a 3-day training workshop for student journalists in Borno State, with a call on participants to uphold ethical standards and actively counter misinformation.

The closing ceremony held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Yerwa Express News Office, Maiduguri, marked the end of phase one of a 3-month fellowship programme in ethical journalism, conflict reporting, science reporting, solutions journalism, and photojournalism.

Hon. Zuwaira Gambo, Borno’s. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, who is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Lake Chad Times, commended the organizers for the initiative.

The commissioner was represented by the Director of Administration of the Ministry, Halima L. Chiroma.

Hon. Gambo expressed delight that the majority of beneficiaries are young women, noting that it aligns with government’s commitment to gender inclusion.

She urged participants to use the skills acquired to tell stories that affect their communities and amplify the voices of the underserved.

'We are all aware that representation of women in the journalism profession remains limited, particularly in this region. However, initiatives such as this give me hope that we are steadily bridging that gap. Let us seize this moment to increase the visibility of women’s perspectives and contributions in public discourse. Let us tell our stories by ourselves, with accuracy, dignity, and purpose,' she said.

The commissioner further charged the fellows to maintain professionalism throughout the fellowship: 'Be objective in your reportage. Be factual, verify before you publish, and be deliberate in countering misinformation and fake news wherever you encounter it. In an age of rapid information, your credibility will be your greatest asset.'

She assured the participants of the ministry’s continued support and guidance as they begin the fellowship phase, stressing that the doors of the ministry of women affairs and social development remain open to them.

The 3-month fellowship, a collaboration between Lake Chad Times, UNIMAID’s Union of Campus Journalists and Yerwa Express News, provides practical newsroom experience for the 20 selected student journalists trained during the workshop.