ECOWARN Holds Capacity Building Workshop For Media Field Monitors, NCCRMs IT Staff In Abuja

By Ibrahim A. Sherif, In Abuja

 The ECOWAS Early Warning Network (ECOWARN) has embarked on a three-day capacity building workshop for Media Field Monitors and Information Technology (IT) Staff of the National Center for the Coordination of Response Mechanism (NCCRM) across member states.

Speaking at the opening session of the Capacity Building Workshop held at a local hotel in Abuja, Nigeria, on October 8, 2024, the Acting Director of the Early Warning Directorate, Dr. Onyinye Nkechi Onwuka, asserted that capacity building is not just an investment but also a necessity to accessing new technologies as well as advancing networking. 

She indicated that the reward of continuous skills enhancement doesn't only benefit the individual acquiring the skills, but also the community and member state they serve.

The Acting Director of the ECOWARN Directorate emphasized the importance of the three-day ECOWARN Capacity Building Workshop, stressing that the training is geared toward strengthening the capacities of both Media Field Monitors as well IT Staff at National Centers across ECOWAS states.

The ECOWARN official added that one of the primary objectives of the exercise is to provide an in-depth overview of the ECOWARN System, which according to her, will enable participants to get a comprehensive understanding of the modules and functionality of the system.

"Our main focus remains improving the management and quality of our information shared, which is critical to enhancing Early Warning Systems across our region," the EOWARN official noted. Also, Dr. Onwuka encouraged trainees to actively participate, network as well as embrace learning and collaboration during the training.

She further emphasized the importance of the Media Field Monitors across ECOWAS member states, citing that the data they will provide in the discharge of their respective duties will help decision makers at the highest level to make rational decisions in curbing misinformation and disinformation from the ECOWARN system.

The ECOWARN Executive maintained that the task of the Media Field Monitors is directly tied to the broader Mission of ECOWAS, which is centered around fostering peace and security across the West African region.

Meanwhile, Dr. Onwuka extolled heads of News Agencies and NCCRMs of member states for their collaboration in making the Capacity Building Workshop a reality.

She also lauded organizers of the training for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the overall objectives of the training are met.

To equip Media Field Monitors with the necessary tools to carry on their job effectively, Dr. Onwuka handed over a brand-new HP Laptop and a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Smartphone to each of the newly recruited Media Field Monitors.

The three-day Capacity Building Workshop which runs from October 8-10, 2024, features Media Field Monitors from National News Agencies, and IT Staffs of the NCCRMs Centers across Member States as well representatives from the West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP).