NewsDirect, an integrated print and digital media organisation, has unveiled the Inkline Initiative, a new corporate social responsibility programme supported by a N20 million fund dedicated to grooming young media talents across Nigeria. The commitment, which will be spread over five years, is aimed at strengthening the country’s media ecosystem by equipping students with modern communication skills, upgrading school Press Clubs and building the capacity of emerging and practicing professionals.
The Publisher and Executive Director of NewsDirect, Prince Mathew Ibiyemi, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term investment in the development of credible journalism and creative communication. He explained that the fund will be used to reinvent and equip Press and Literary Clubs in secondary schools, giving students early exposure to public speaking, fact-checking, mobile videography, AI literacy and creative writing. During a recent visit to one of the participating schools, LHS Schools, he noted that Inkline will also deliver intensive training sessions for existing media professionals to strengthen industry standards.
Ibiyemi emphasised that the future of credible journalism rests on the skills and values instilled in today’s young people and that the organisation is committed to supporting them with both equipment and mentorship. A major part of the programme is the call for experienced media practitioners to volunteer their expertise, offering hands-on guidance that will help shape the next generation of communicators.
The initiative is open to partnerships, as Inkline by NewsDirect seeks to collaborate with more schools and organisations across the country. Interested schools or individuals who wish to nominate a school are encouraged to send an expression of interest to projects.newsdirect@gmail.com.
