Multiple award-winning Investigative journalist Ms. Tobore Ovuorie has empowered 71 Nigerian youths with photo-storytelling skills. This, she did alongside her partner, The American Corner, CCHub, Yaba, Lagos.
The training tagged: TOP Photo-storytelling Masterclass, was birthed and executed by Tobore Ovuorie Productions (TOP).
Tobore Ovuorie Productions (TOP) is a storytelling multimedia organization with bias for mainly developmental stories. The organization’s intervention includes using visuals, audio, texts, photos and light in birthing and baking creative ideas from scratch, as well as bringing them into reality. One of such creative ideas birthed by Tobore Ovuorie Productions which is now being executed is the TOP photo-storytelling Masterclass.
TOP photo-storytelling Masterclass commenced as and is still a Corporate Social Responsibility. Birthed by multiple award-winning investigative journalist and U.S PEPFAR Hero; Ms. Tobore Ovuorie, it is a give-back to the society via empowering Nigerian youths with absolutely free photography training. This is inclusive of in-depth storytelling, thus, not the regular photography. It is a creative academy which involves holistically going the extra mile in both theory and intense practical trainings.
The American Corner is an American-style cultural centre and cooperative learning environment. The Corner offers programs, activities and resources such as books, maker-space equipment and internet access.
Participants within the age 18 to 40 years underwent the intense photography training Monday 23rd to Friday 27th, September 2019.
Speaking on how the 71 participants were chosen, Ms. Ovuorie says the selection included thorough analysis of every participants’ submissions. “Over 165 persons indicated interest to participate in the training but there was space for only 60 persons.
“Hence, combing through participants’ submissions and final selections lasted into the night. Though we selected 60 persons for the training, some of those who were not selected on the basis of their indicating they were not sure of being available throughout the training also turned up at the venue. We couldn’t turn them back. Interestingly, they stayed all through the training.”
The Photo-storytelling masterclass, Ms. Ovuorie says, is not only a give-back to the society but a source of continuous mentorship and provision of opportunities for creatives.
