October Diary: My Internship Experience with Confidence News

I am privileged to be a participant in the 2024 Next Gen/Campus Reporter Internship Programme. Just like the first month which ran through September and October, my second month has been a time of learning and dedication towards my passion and personal growth in journalism. 

This second month,  I was assigned by the Editor-in-Chief, Mr Muhideen Temitope, to write a special report on environmental pollution using Sokoto as my case study. I submitted the story as instructed and it was titled: How Uncontrolled Waste Disposal Threaten Public Health and Livelihoods in Sokoto. Prior to publication, the story was delayed to ensure that all the information was accurate and the narrative style properly monitored. However, I encountered challenges getting sources and experts. 

In late October, I wrote a feature story on the challenges that Nigeria Bank customers face amidst failed withdrawal incidences. The story, titled: Customers Lament Struggling With Failed Withdrawal and Delayed Resolutions from Nigeria Banks, was published on November 6, 2024. While producing this story, interviewees felt reluctant to give information due to fear and my lack of an official journalistic identification. So I had to convince them and once they understood that the story would be impactful, they turned up to give responses. 

I also participated as a volunteer in DUBAWA’s WeekForTruth 2024 and conducted my outreach at Unity Comprehensive School, Rujin Sambo, NTA Quarters, Sokoto. I wrote a report on my experience at the outreach and titled it: Empowering Young Minds to Combat Fake News: My Experience at Dubawa Week for Truth 2024.  Initially, the school was sceptical about this outreach and had to deliberate with the management. Fortunately, it was later beneficial to the students and staff members at the outreach.

I was also tasked with editing news reports to test both my skills and understanding of the in-house style. I edited a feature report and submitted it to the editorial desk. It was an impromptu task but I had to get it done and learn the art of handling work pressure and multitasking. 

Lastly, I conducted a fact check titled: Did Kwara Spend 922 Million on Presidential Lodge and Guest Chalets, Neglecting Water Facilities? Getting accurate information was difficult but after thorough research, I found valid information. 

In conclusion, this internship experience has enabled me to gain valuable insights as an education, fact-checking, and human rights journalist. I’ve been receiving guidance from my editors and, also, have the opportunity to communicate freely with both reporters and editors in the media house.

End note: Taofeeq Imam is a participant in the Next Gen/Campus Reporter 2024 Internship Programme. To read about his experiences during the first month of the internship, click here.