PUNCH Media Foundation, in collaboration with the PUNCH Newspapers, successfully wrapped up the annual PUNCH Refresher Training Programme (#PRTP2025) held from 22 to 26 September, 2025 at its Lagos headquarters.
This immersive week-long event united reporters and line editors from various PUNCH titles and specialised beats to hone their newsroom skills, reinforce ethical journalism principles and prepare the organisation to meet the challenges of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving media ecosystem.
In today’s world of constant information flow, widespread misinformation and changing audience habits, PUNCH remains steadfast in its role as Nigeria’s most trusted newsroom. By investing in the continuous professional growth of its journalists, PUNCH ensures its reporting is accurate, ethical, impactful and closely aligned with its vital role as a societal watchdog.
Across five days, experienced facilitators, senior academics and distinguished newsroom veterans delivered dynamic, hands-on sessions covering a rich variety of topics. These included news judgment, investigative storytelling, fact-checking, grammar and writing style, trauma-sensitive coverage, AI applications in journalism, SEO strategies and development journalism. Participants enhanced their skills in identifying impactful stories, applying evidence-based reporting, combating misinformation, ethically using AI, optimising digital content and promoting journalism for social progress and inclusivity.
The training facilitators included Lecturer, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mrs. Maureen Popoola; Country Operations Lead, Orodata Science and Civic Tech, Mr. John Eromosele; Former General Manager, Digital and Publications, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ademola Oni; CSR Communication and Reporting Officer (Entech Dynamics) for TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, Mr. Eric Dumo; Editor, Weekend Titles, PUNCH Newspapers, Mr. Samson Folarin; and Deputy Editor, Weekend Titles, PUNCH Newspapers, Ms. Tessy Igomu.
Others are Nigeria Editor, Africa Check, Mr. David Ajikobi; Lecturer, Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, Dr. Yinka Egbokhare; Professor of Journalism and Development Communication, Lagos State University, Prof. Tunde Akanni; Founder, The Journalism Clinic, Mr. Taiwo Obe (TO); Director of Projects, Cable Foundation, Mr. ‘Mayowa Tijani; and Founder, Nivedigital: Mr. Oyejobi Adeola.
Through its interactive sessions and engaging panel discussions, PRTP2025 reinforced PUNCH’s strategic vision of being a forward-thinking, innovation-driven newsroom. The programme underscored journalism’s vital role as not merely to report news but to advance societal progress, strengthen accountability and promote sustainable development. As a deliberate editorial investment, the initiative aims to strategically position PUNCH’s editorial team for distinction, defined by elevated language, refined style and clarity across print and digital platforms; credible and impactful reporting; and a demonstrable commitment to ethical standards and accountability in journalism.
The PUNCH Refresher Training Programme will continue as a signature capacity development initiative, setting a benchmark for professional development in Nigerian journalism. It will strengthen PUNCH’s enduring legacy of truth, reliability, independence, balance and excellence in reporting.
PUNCH Media Foundation (PMF) is a non-profit organisation established in 2019 to promote a just, inclusive and thriving civic space through investigative journalism, digital innovation, policy advocacy and media development. PMF continues to be a critical force in shaping accountability journalism, with programmes like PRTP2025 reflecting its deep investment in building strong, principled journalists for the Nigerian media industry.
