Polaris Bank Trains Over 500 Journalists on Digital Tools, Trends in Modern Journalism

Polaris Bank Trains Over 500 Journalists on Digital Tools, Trends in Modern Journalism

Lagos, Nigeria – July 19, 2025 – Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to media development with the successful hosting of a hybrid capacity-building seminar for over 500 journalists across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Themed “Empowering Journalists in the Digital Age: Storytelling, Tools & Transformation,” the annual seminar brought together media professionals to explore emerging trends, digital tools, and innovative storytelling techniques critical to journalism’s evolution in the 21st century.

In his welcome address, Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, said the initiative reflects the bank’s consistent support for media education over the past 12 years. He emphasized that Polaris Bank remains at the forefront of digital capacity-building for the Nigerian press, adding that empowering journalists ultimately enhances the quality of public discourse and national development.

Quoting a Chinese proverb, Bolarinwa said, “We prefer to teach people how to fish rather than giving them fish,” noting that this principle underpins the bank’s annual approval and support for the seminar by its executive management.

The training featured seasoned facilitators, including Mr. Taiwo Obe, Founder and Director of The Journalism Clinic, and Mr. Abayomi Adisa, a senior journalist with the BBC.

Speaking on the transformation of journalism in the digital era, Mr. Obe cited veteran journalist Tom Rosenstiel, saying the role of journalism is to equip citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions. He traced the evolution of mobile journalism (MoJo), noting how tools like Reuters’ 2007 Mojo Toolkit—comprising devices such as the Nokia N95, solar chargers, and portable keyboards—have enabled journalists to report in real time.

Obe encouraged journalists to take advantage of free digital tools on platforms like the Google Play Store to expand their storytelling capabilities through audio, video, and interactive formats. He also noted the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in Nigerian newsrooms for tasks such as copy editing, content illustration, and targeted advertising.

He urged journalists to repurpose story data into formats like Q&As, guidebooks, position papers, and even full-length books to broaden impact and reach.

On his part, Mr. Abayomi Adisa focused on strategies for writing compelling social media content. He emphasized the importance of stopping power in a highly distracted digital space, advising journalists to create posts that are personal, relatable, concise, and designed for engagement and sharing.

"To capture attention online, your content must speak directly to the audience's needs while cutting through the noise," Adisa said.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head of Customer Experience and Value Management at Polaris Bank, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting journalism and the broader media landscape.

“No industry or institution can thrive without the active involvement of the media,” she said, stressing that the seminar represents part of the bank’s larger vision to build a more informed and empowered society.

The annual Polaris Bank media seminar continues to be a platform for equipping journalists with the tools and insights needed to stay ahead in an ever-evolving media ecosystem.