In a groundbreaking event held in Owerri, Imo State, journalists from various media organizations gathered for the Open Data Day 2025 workshop, aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to utilize open data in climate and agricultural reporting. The workshop, hosted by Harriet Ijeomah, Managing Director of Harsco Media & Communications, was supported by Open Knowledge Foundation (OKFN) and Dataopian.

The event began with Harriet Ijeomah introducing the key supporters and emphasizing the crucial role of open data in tackling climate change and agricultural challenges in Nigeria. In her opening speech, she highlighted how Imo State has been severely impacted by extreme weather events, including flooding, excessive rainfall, and soil erosion. She referenced data from 2024, which showed that flooding displaced 7,832 people and affected 60,761 others in the state, while 16% of erosion incidents in Owerri were directly linked to intense rainfall.

Speaking on the significance of Open Data Day 2025, Ijeomah underscored the importance of open data in investigative journalism, stating, “Access to accurate and well-structured data is essential for journalists to tell compelling and solution-driven stories that can influence policy changes and drive sustainable development.”

Deep Dive into Data Reporting

The first session was led by Udochukwu Chukwu, a research and data expert, who delivered an extensive lecture on data reporting for agriculture and climate issues. He introduced participants to various sources of open data, with a strong emphasis on the Open Data Editor, showcasing its functionality and practical applications for journalists. Chukwu explained how data-driven journalism can help uncover hidden trends in climate change and agricultural production, making reference to real-world examples.

To reinforce the learning process, he facilitated a group exercise where journalists analyzed open datasets and developed reports on climate-related challenges in Imo State. These reports were designed to serve as a foundation for further investigative stories, bridging the gap between raw data and impactful storytelling.

Practical Insights from Experienced Journalists

Renowned development journalist Chinedu Hardy Nwadike took the stage to share his expertise on open data’s role in solution journalism. He stressed the need for journalists to harness available data in holding policymakers accountable and addressing key societal challenges. Hardy illustrated practical strategies for integrating data visualization into reports, ensuring that complex information is easily understood by the public.

The final session featured an insightful presentation by Adanna Ononiwu, who spoke on “How Journalists Can Position Themselves for International Opportunities” and “Leveraging Development Reporting as a Community Journalist.” She highlighted how data-driven journalism not only enhances the credibility of a journalist but also opens doors to global collaborations and funding opportunities. Adanna encouraged journalists to explore grants, fellowships, and networking platforms that support investigative and development reporting.

Engaging Discussions and Networking

Beyond the technical sessions, the event provided a platform for networking and collaboration among media professionals. The interactive discussions allowed participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and exchange ideas on innovative approaches to data journalism.

As the workshop concluded, journalists expressed their appreciation for the training, emphasizing how it broadened their perspective on using data to drive impactful storytelling. A key takeaway from the event was the realization that open data is a vital tool in investigative journalism, and when properly utilized, it can influence policies, raise awareness, and drive sustainable solutions in climate and agriculture.

Next Steps and Future Engagements

The event ended with a call to action for journalists to actively incorporate open data in their reporting and explore further training opportunities. The organizers assured continued engagement with participants through follow-up sessions, access to online resources, and mentorship programs to ensure sustained impact beyond the workshop.

With Open Knowledge and Dataopian supporting the initiative, the event marked a significant step toward strengthening the capacity of journalists in Imo State to use data for meaningful storytelling, ultimately contributing to informed decision-making and policy advocacy in Nigeria’s climate and agricultural sectors.

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About Open Data Day

Open Data Day (ODD) is an annual celebration of open data all over the world. Groups from many countries create local events on the day where they will use open data in their communities. ODD is led by the Open Knowledge Foundation (OKFN) and the Open Knowledge Network.

As a way to increase the representation of different cultures, since 2023 we offer the opportunity for organisations to host an Open Data Day event on the best date over one week. In 2025, a total of 189 events happened all over the world between March 1st and 7th, in 57 countries using 15+ different languages. All outputs are open for everyone to use and re-use.

For more information, you can reach out to the Open Knowledge Foundation team by emailing opendataday@okfn.org. You can also join the Open Data Day Google Group or join the Open Data Day Slack channel to ask for advice, share tips and get connected with others.