NOW OPEN: Investigative journalism fellowship on trans fats reporting

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has announced the call for applications for a journalism fellowship aimed at investigating trans fat consumption in Nigeria.

Adie Effiong, programme manager of Trans Free Fat Nigeria campaign, in a statement, said the fellowship will focus on ways of eliminating trans fat from Nigeria’s food supply chain.

CAPPA is a pan-African organisation that aims to have an Africa that is free of injustices and inequalities caused by corporations and unfair state structures.

Journalists who have the ability to investigate trans fat consumption in Nigeria, in line with the standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO), have been encouraged to apply.

“Practicing journalists in Nigeria with a knack for writing good reports have been encouraged to apply for the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) Trans Fat Free Nigeria Journalism Fellowship,” the statement read.

“The fellowship focuses on ways to eliminate trans-fat from Nigeria’s food supply chain and journalists are expected to produce investigative reports from an informed perspective and in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended standards for countries to follow regarding trans fats.

“The fellowship intends to build and improve the public awareness on trans fats and world best practices regarding its use as well as other issues relating to it.

“Journalists are to send in story ideas focusing on the following: Trans fats content in food, trans fats and wellbeing; industry players and food labelling; distinguishing trans fat enhancing cardiovascular diseases, and implications of the treatment of such in Nigeria.”

On the selection process, Offiong states that entries will be reviewed by “a team of senior and experienced journalists”, and only applications filled out using the link provided will be considered.

Interested journalists are expected to fill out an application.

“They will be eligible for a grant of between US$700-US$1,000 each to implement their story ideas within a four-week period,” Offiong added.

The call for applications ends on October 23, while six successful candidates will be announced on October 30.