Each month, IJNet features an international journalist who exemplifies the profession and has used the site to further his or her career. If you would like to be featured, email a short bio and a paragraph about how you have used IJNet here.
This month's journalist, Oluchi Iwuoha, who hails from Imo State in Nigeria, is the south/southeast news correspondent for the area's Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS). Thanks to IJNet, Iwuoha has attended the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum in Bonn, Germany, and the New England Center for Investigative Reporting at Boston University.
IJNet: How has IJNet helped you?
Oluchi Iwuoha: IJNet has helped me as a journalist to acquire more skills and knowledge through international exposure. I have attended training sessions at locations including the Poynter Media Institute in Florida and South Thames College in London. I have also benefited a lot from the articles and tips published regularly on the site.
IJNet: How do you get your ideas for stories?
OI: I get my story ideas from daily happenings in my environment and the world at large. I generate news ideas for special reports on human interest issues such as ecological problems, environmental degradation, health issues, oil theft and decaying infrastructures in the country.
IJNet: What has been your best story or work so far?
OI: My best story is one I did on illegal oil bunkery and refining as a result of the increasing rate of crude oil theft in Nigeria. I tagged along with a joint military patrol team to visit the creeks that are off the sea where some of the bunkerers hide to perform their illegal acts. They siphon the crude [oil] and they refine it into products like diesel and kerosene, which they then introduce to the city to be sold at a cheaper price than at gas stations...
IJNet: What advice would you give aspiring journalists?
OI: My advice to young aspiring journalists is to remain committed and determined to this noble profession. Hard work will surely pay off in the future.
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