The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is about to launch its new flagship challenge, the Living Archives Initiative, alongside a digital platform geared toward preserving Africa’s media historical past.
The launch, scheduled for twenty second October in Lagos, will even characteristic the disclosing of “Ladbone: A Life in Print”, an anthology of essays written in honour of veteran journalist Lade Bonuola.
The Living Archives Initiative is geared toward addressing a persistent hole in Africa’s journalistic reminiscence, the place essential newspaper information, private papers, pictures, broadcast recordings and first-hand accounts are sometimes scattered, deteriorating or inaccessible.
CJID mentioned the initiative would doc, protect and make accessible the lives and legacies of individuals whose work has formed journalism, contributed to information manufacturing and promoted public accountability and democratic improvement throughout the continent.
“Journalism cannot renew itself if it loses the memory of how earlier generations confronted power, defended standards and made difficult editorial choices,” CJID’s CEO, Dapo Olorunyomi, mentioned.
“The Living Archives Initiative is an attempt to preserve that evidence as a resource that can help us gain the necessary context and think more clearly about journalism’s public purpose and future.”
The first version of the challenge focuses on Lade Bonuola, popularly generally known as “Ladbone”, who’s broadly considered some of the consequential editors within the historical past of the Nigerian press.
Mr Bonuola started his journalism profession on the Daily Times, the place he authored the critically acclaimed “Caught-out by Ladbone” column. He later turned the pioneer editor and managing director of The Guardian and co-founded The Comet in 1999.
He subsequently turned the supervising chief advisor to Compass Newspapers earlier than returning to The Guardian as chief advisor.
His profession, which spanned greater than 5 many years, took him by among the most crucial durations in Nigeria’s historical past, together with army rule, democratic transitions and main adjustments in newsroom tradition.
CJID mentioned Mr Bonuola’s profession affords a useful perspective to look at editorial independence, ethics {and professional} requirements in Nigerian journalism.
The book, Ladbone: A Life in Print, attracts on contributions from greater than 80 editors, media managers, lecturers, political figures and trade consultants.
“This book of essays provides a critical view and honest assessment of those formative years, offering readers a nuanced account of how Nigerian journalists navigated the perilous terrain of military repression while sustaining integrity, accountability, leadership and family,” Mr Olorunyomi mentioned.
The digital archival platform being launched alongside the initiative is anticipated to serve journalists, newsrooms and fact-checkers, researchers, lecturers and college students, policymakers, media and cultural establishments, and most people.
CJID mentioned the platform would additionally present historic proof for coverage discussions on press freedom, governance and democratic resilience, whereas providing media and cultural establishments a mannequin for related archival efforts throughout Africa.
In Lagos, the launch will characteristic a panel dialogue, a proper book evaluate, the disclosing of the anthology and a reception to mark Bonuola’s eightieth birthday.
Participants will obtain an unique take a look at the digital archival platform and interact in discussions on media reminiscence, skilled requirements and public belief.
CJID mentioned the initiative builds on its work in accountability and data integrity by extending its focus to historic preservation and public entry to credible information of Africa’s media historical past.
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Members of the general public, journalists and colleagues are invited to attend the digital broadcast of the launch.
Registration is obtainable through: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XpWbhOGSQwicm_VPfB0QrQ
About CJID
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is a know-how and knowledge-producing assume tank that works to strengthen journalism and democratic accountability in Africa.
Founded in Nigeria in 2014, CJID works throughout analysis, media innovation, civic know-how, accountability, verification, press freedom and capability constructing.
Its mission is to strengthen West Africa’s journalism sector and promote democratic accountability for inclusive and sustainable improvement.
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