Hannah Ojo, a journalist and a reporter at The Nation Newspaper has recently been named the journalist of the month for the international journalists’ Network.
The selection came as a result of her dedicated effort towards journalism and the digital media. She describes herself as a tech-savvy and a lover of digital media.
According to her, “I was discouraged, when people told me, ‘You’re going into journalism? You’re not going to make a lot of money. But ultimately the ability to give people a voice and potentially spur change motivated me”.
When asked about her enthusiasms for data and technology, Ojo said:
“I think one of the things that technology and data have done is given stories the ability to put a human face to some of the numbers that we are inundated with, especially when it comes to reporting development issues. Using data and resources to back up your reports, it really gives your stories credibility among readers and it spurs government action.
“With my investigation into the water industry, I used some interactive tools, like a GPS map and an infographic, to create interactive data, which showed how the water crisis in the state is so critical. I am fascinated by technology and its ability to change the world and give journalism new leverage. It’s a great thing for journalism in Africa. And in my newsroom, I want to ensure that we start to see digital news not just as an option for print journalism but as the main thing. We need to invest in skills and young talent and invest in great ideas so we’re not left behind”.
Ojo In 2015, after finding the opportunity on IJNet, got her first taste of international reporting as a Thomson Reuters UN/SDG Fellow, traveling to New York to cover the 70th assembly of the United Nations. Earlier this year, she earned a reporting grant from Impact AFRICA to report on the safety of water in Lagos.
