*Photo: Kamal Ololade Ahmed*
The Centre for Climate Change & Food Security (CCCFS) in partnership with The North Journal (TNJ), Nigeria-based online news portal, has announced The Shield Online’s Kamal Ololade Ahmed and 30 other journalists for the maiden edition of the Ghana Journalists for Environment, Science, Health & Agriculture (GJESHA)- The North Journals (TNJ) Biodiversity Training Series.
“This journalism capacity-building initiative attracted over 100 applications from across the West African subregion.
Following a rigorous, merit-based selection process, the most promising environmental reporters were selected based on their storytelling potential, professionalism, and commitment to biodiversity journalism,” organisers of the training programme said in a statement.
The statement added that “The training series, under the theme “Biodiversity Matters: How Africa’s Stories Can Shape a Sustainable Future,” is aimed at equipping journalists with the tools and knowledge to tell compelling biodiversity stories that influence public awareness and policy change.”
Selection Criteria
Journalists were evaluated using a comprehensive framework including:
Relevance and Quality of Submitted Works – Applicants submitted biodiversity or environment-related stories, assessed for depth, originality, and alignment with the training focus.
Thoughtful Responses – Selection was based on how clearly and completely candidates responded to key application questions.
Professionalism – Grammar, writing quality, and attention to detail were key indicators of candidate readiness.
Demonstrated Commitment – Strong interest in biodiversity and environmental journalism was a critical requirement.
Key Challenges Identified During the Selection Process
Incomplete or irrelevant answers.
Lack of biodiversity-related sample stories.
Poor grammar or disorganized submissions.
Apparent lack of effort in application preparation.
Despite these challenges, the selection committee identified 31 outstanding candidates who will participate in the impactful training programme.
Full List of Selected Journalists
1.Elvis GOUZA – Linfodrome.com – Côte d’Ivoire
2.Janefrances Chibundu – TheCable – Nigeria
3.Essa Lowe – EL1tv – The Gambia
4.Randohle Abonzan – Agro TV – Côte d’Ivoire
5.Alassane DIÉDHIOU – Voix du Sud – Senegal
6.Dare Akogun – Sobi FM – Nigeria
7.Amidou DJO-OURO – Radio ZigFM – Senegal
8.Tokpa M Tarnue – Liberia Broadcasting System – Liberia
9.Nukanah Kollie – The Liberian Investigator – Liberia
10.Adama Makasuba – Gambiana – The Gambia
11.Usman Muhammad Salihu – Aminci Times – Nigeria
12.Mustapha Jarju – THD TV – The Gambia
13.Mansa Moussa Mara – Universciences – Guinea
14.Michaella Faith Wright – The Fatu Network – The Gambia
15.Ibrahim Babangida Lawal – The North Journals – Nigeria
16.Kamal Ololade Ahmed – The Shield Online – Nigeria
17.Mohamed Slem Camara – Kankan24.com – Guinea
18.Towfik Mohammed – ChannelOne TV – Ghana
19.Ibrahim Hassan Hassan – PRNigeria – Nigeria
20.Bill Williams Cooper – The Inquirer Newspaper – Liberia
21.Rubensia Merdius Eurydice Ayabavi CODJOVI – Terre et Femme – Benin
22.Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus – News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) – Nigeria
23.Isatou Keita – Alkamba Times – The Gambia
24.Hadiza Musa Yusuf – Prime Time News – Nigeria
25.Olive IDOHOU – Terre et Femme – Benin
26.Zainab Yetunde Adam – SMK Radio 96.5 FM – Nigeria
27.D Laymah E Kollie – Women’s TV – Liberia
28.Kennedy Zongbil – Freelance Journalist – Ghana
29.Davida Spaine-Solomon – Freelance – Sierra Leone
30.Sheku Desmond – Student Journalist – Sierra Leone
31.Fadilatu Ahmed Tijani – Environmentalist – Ghana
Training Details and Assignments
The six-week online training, running from Friday, July 11 to August 15, 2025, will consist of six sessions, held weekly and led by biodiversity and media experts.
Sessions will cover:
Biodiversity Reporting Essentials, Climate Change and Biodiversity Linkages, Storytelling through Data, Ethics, and Investigative Tools, Solutions Journalism in Biodiversity Reporting among others.
Two sessions will be led by Dr. Vibha Varshney, Head of the Biodiversity and Food Unit at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India.
At the end of each session, participants will be given practical assignments to test and strengthen their reporting skills. A main capstone assignment will be given after the final session to consolidate learnings and produce a publishable biodiversity story.
Launch of WAJESHA
At the end of the training, CCCFS, GJESHA, and TNJ will officially launch WAJESHA – the West Africa Journalists for Environment, Science, Health & Agriculture.
WAJESHA will serve as a regional network of trained, passionate, and active journalists committed to amplifying biodiversity and environmental stories across West Africa.
Mission of WAJESHA:
To build a united force of environmental journalists in West Africa, promoting biodiversity conservation, environmental justice, and climate action through investigative and solutions-driven journalism.
By investing in journalists and strengthening regional collaboration, the GJESHA-TNJ Biodiversity Training Series seeks to create a new wave of biodiversity storytelling that is accurate, compelling, and impactful.
The organizers thank all applicants and encourage continued reporting on environmental issues that matter to Africa’s future.
For media inquiries or interviews, please contact:
GJESHA
CCCFS
The North Journals
Email: gjesha2019@gmail.com
Email: wajeshawestafrica@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +233501340055