Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of Premium Times Newspaper and founder of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), says data is key to journalism of the modern world.
He spoke Wednesday in Abuja during the launch of the Dataphyte Hub and the unveiling of the Dapo Olorunyomi Theatre (DOT).
According to Olorunyomi, the whole purpose of writing, reporting and coverage is all about data.
He said: “Data is central to the project of journalism of the modern time. All the stories that we do, we need to recreate, we need to use to achieve purpose. The whole purpose of writing, reporting and coverage is all about data.
“Indeed, the reception of our messages is always about data, which above all, also, the whole infrastructure of how we put together the financing of journalism is all about data. So, in a nutshell, the epicenter of journalism, really, is all about data.”
Dr Kole Shettima, African Country Director, MacArthur Foundation, said: “Bringing data is one way of inclusive form of communication, because there are people who may not be able to read things, but they can see data and understand it.
“But, more importantly, I think that data also helps to aggregate information that probably would take one a very long time to understand.”
Joshua Olufemi, founder and publisher of Dataphyte, said data provides the seed for development and growth.
He said: “Data is the seed for insight. It is a seed for intelligence. It is the seed for reforms, change, development, and every need. if we’re able to have the right data, to help you interpret, why you made the decision you made, what decisions you make, why the things that are happening around us are happening.
“I think that data just provides a seed of insight knowledge and intelligence for livelihood for development for growth as a whole.”
