Why data is central to modern journalism — Dapo Olorunyomi

Nigerian writer and the publisher/editor-in-chief of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, has stressed the important relation of information successful modern journalism.

He noted the value of information literacy successful journalism, distinguishing betwixt integrated information specified arsenic words, sounds, and graphics, and harnessing information to supply analysis, insights, and visualisation.

Olorunyomi, portion speaking successful Abuja astatine the motorboat of the Dataphyte hub and the unveiling of a theatre successful his honour connected Wednesday, said that information is the backbone of journalism, indispensable for storytelling, reporting, and financing.

He said: “Data is cardinal to the task of journalism of the modern time. All the stories that we do, we request to recreate, we request to usage to execute purpose. The full intent of writing, reporting and sum is each astir data.

“Indeed, the reception of our messages is ever astir data, which supra all, also, the full infrastructure of however we enactment unneurotic the financing of journalism is each astir data. So, successful a nutshell, the epicentre of journalism, really, is each astir data.”

In his remarks, African Country Director, MacArthur Foundation, Dr Kole Shettima, said: “Bringing information is 1 mode of inclusive signifier of connection due to the fact that determination are radical who whitethorn not beryllium capable to work things, but they tin spot information and recognize it.

“But, much importantly, I deliberation that information besides helps to aggregate accusation that astir apt would instrumentality 1 a precise agelong clip to understand.”

Also speaking, the laminitis and steadfast of Dataphyte, Joshua Olufemi, said that information provides the effect for improvement and growth.

Olufemi said: “Data is the effect for insight. It is simply a effect for intelligence. It is the effect for reforms, change, development, and each need. if we’re capable to person the close data, to assistance you interpret, wherefore you made the decisions you made, what decisions you made, wherefore the things that are happening astir america are happening.

“I deliberation that information conscionable provides a effect of insight, cognition and quality for livelihood for improvement for maturation arsenic a whole.”

The Board Chair of Dataphyte Foundation, Yop Rwang Pam, noted that the instauration aims to harness information for societal good.

She said: “We judge that leveraging connected the powerfulness of data, the state tin thrust transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making crossed assorted sectors.

“We are assured that Dataphyte volition service arsenic a beacon of innovation and integrity, starring the complaint successful utilizing information to tackle immoderate of the astir pressing challenges of our time.

“One of the cornerstones of Dataphyte’s ngo is to make a dynamic hub for young people. In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is important to empower our younker with the tools and cognition they request to navigate and signifier the future.”