Publisher of Premium Times Newspaper, Dapo Olorunyomi, has stated that data plays a pivotal role in journalism that is for the good of society.
He stated this on Wednesday at the launch of the Dataphyte Foundation Innovation Hub and unveiling of the Dapo Olorunyomi Theatre (DOT).
Olorunyomi noted that stories are at the heart of journalism and that a bad story can destroy the world, hence the need for accurate data in the practice of modern journalism.
Reflecting on his journey, he described it as that of one trying to make the country better, adding that journalism is a powerful tool to recreate the world we desire.
Olorunyomi, who is also founder of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), pointed out that journalism is at the core of democracy and if things go wrong in the country’s politics, sports, economy and other sectors, it is the failure of journalism because the expectation on every democracy is that it’s journalism should hold the power structure accountable and Section 22 of the country’s constitution makes this clear.
He added that where journalism works, society can be better and events such as this are opportunities to reflect on how to make journalism better.
African Country Director, MacArthur Foundation, Dr Kole Shettima, in a remark, reiterated the relevance of data in journalism, pointing out that it helps to aggregate information that probably would take one a very long time to understand.
Founder of Dataphyte, Joshua Olufemi, in a welcome address, said data provides the seed for development and growth and also the seed for reforms and change. He noted that with the right data, people can make better decisions and understand the things happening around them.
Dataphyte Foundation Innovation Hub is a social impact organisation with a mission to provide access to information and data for socio-economic development and corporate sector growth in Africa.
It aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence in data for development and media innovation in Nigeria and will provide technology resources, training, and networking opportunities to emerging media entrepreneurs, social innovators, and development practitioners, thereby catalysing social impact and sustainable development visions.
