By The North Journal Newsroom
“Biodiversity journalism in West Africa is more urgent than ever, and this opportunity will further sharpen my ability to tell stories that matter.”
— Ibrahim Babangida Lawal
The North Journal is proud to announce that one of its own, Ibrahim Babangida Lawal, has been selected to participate in the inaugural GJESHA-TNJ Biodiversity Training Series, a prestigious journalism program designed to strengthen biodiversity storytelling across West Africa.
The training, themed “Biodiversity Matters: How Africa’s Stories Can Shape a Sustainable Future,” is organized by the Centre for Climate Change & Food Security (CCCFS) in partnership with The North Journals (TNJ). It attracted over 100 applications from journalists across the subregion, with only 32 outstanding candidates making the final cut.
Ibrahim Babangida Lawal’s selection follows a rigorous, merit-based evaluation that assessed applicants on the relevance and quality of their previous environmental work, clarity of thought, professionalism, and demonstrated commitment to biodiversity reporting.
“I am thrilled and honored to be part of this crucial initiative. Biodiversity journalism in West Africa is more urgent than ever, and this opportunity will further sharpen my ability to tell stories that matter,” said Lawal.
The six-week training, beginning July 11 and running through August 15, 2025, will be delivered virtually. It includes weekly expert-led sessions covering a range of topics such as:
- Biodiversity Reporting Essentials
- Climate Change and Biodiversity Linkages
- Data Storytelling and Investigative Tools
- Ethics and Solutions Journalism
Renowned biodiversity journalist Dr. Vibha Varshney from the Centre for Science and Environment (India) will lead two of the sessions.
Participants will complete weekly assignments and a final capstone project aimed at producing publishable, policy-impacting biodiversity stories.
The program will culminate in the launch of WAJESHA – West Africa Journalists for Environment, Science, Health & Agriculture – a pan-West African network dedicated to environmental reporting excellence.
The North Journals congratulates Ibrahim on this significant milestone and reaffirms its commitment to climate and environmental reporting that informs, educates, and inspires change.
