By Umar Umar Namadi
The Scoop Storytelling Initiative recently held a two-day workshop for journalists at Ventures Park, Maitama, in Abuja. The workshop focused on the art of inclusive storytelling, particularly for underrepresented and marginalised communities.
In her opening remarks, Zainab Bala, the founder and Executive Director of the Scoop Storytelling Initiative, shared the personal motivations that fueled her journey to becoming a distinguished storyteller. Her passion for amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals led to the creation of this nonprofit initiative, which seeks to give a platform to those whose stories often go unheard.
The workshop aimed to inspire participants to craft stories that resonate with readers, drive meaningful change, and influence policies.
The sessions were rigorous and diverse, covering key topics such as solution-oriented storytelling, data representation in journalism, language sensitivity, multimedia storytelling, conflict reporting, cultural competency, and intersectionality in storytelling.
Zainab Bala herself, along with other experts, led these sessions, which provided participants with a comprehensive toolkit, instilling in them the confidence to engage with and impact their communities through their work.
After the workshop, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment to elevating the voices of the marginalised through impactful storytelling.
Through this initiative, the Scoop Storytelling Initiative continues its mission of empowering journalists to tell stories that matter—stories that reflect the complexities of the human experience and inspire actions.