The Association of Journalists Working in Northern Benin (AJS-B) recently concluded a highly successful training workshop in Parakou, aimed at enhancing the investigative and journalistic writing skills of local reporters.
Held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, the workshop brought together both seasoned professionals and newcomers from across the country, including participants from Cotonou, Copargo, and Tanguiéta.
Led by Anneke Verbraeken, an internationally recognized investigative journalist from the Netherlands, the event focused on equipping attendees with essential tools for producing high-quality journalism.
Verbraeken, who brings a wealth of experience in investigative reporting, underscored the core principles of effective journalism, including rigor, fact-checking, relevance, and the clarity of ideas.
Throughout the day, Verbraeken shared her expertise in investigative techniques, walking participants through the fundamental steps of a successful inquiry.
She emphasized the importance of identifying key topics, formulating clear hypotheses, engaging reliable sources, and maintaining the anonymity of whistleblowers.
The practical nature of the workshop allowed attendees to apply these concepts in group exercises, where they selected real-life issues to investigate.
To ensure continued support, Verbraeken also offered to follow up with participants through videoconference sessions.
AJS-B President Alberique Houndjo stressed the critical need for a professional and ethical press in Benin, noting that such training is vital for strengthening the credibility of the media.
“Through this program, AJS-B aims to provide its members with the necessary tools to enhance the quality of their work and improve their ability to report with professionalism, rigor, and ethics,” Houndjo explained.
He urged journalists to work with greater solidarity, discipline, and dedication to upholding journalistic integrity.
Romuald Logbo, who represented sponsor Armand Hounsou at the event, expressed his full support for the association’s initiative, assuring that the sponsor would continue to back efforts to improve the professional development of young journalists in the country.
The workshop was also supported by key media organizations, including the National Union of Online Media of Benin (UNAMEL-Benin) and the Union of Media Professionals of Benin (UPMB).
Both Barnabas Orou Kouman from UNAMEL-Benin and Aubin Toni from UPMB praised the relevance of the training and encouraged participants to apply their newfound skills to real-world journalistic work.
Attendees of the workshop shared their satisfaction with the depth and quality of the session, expressing hope that such initiatives would continue in the future to further empower Benin’s journalistic community.
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