Allwell Okpi

Experience

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  Timbuktu Media Ltd

  Nov 2008 - Mar 2011

  Reporter/Features Writer

  I was a metro reporter for Next newspaper. I investigated and wrote stories of diverse topics about the city of Lagos. I also deputised for the metro editor.

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  Punch Newspapers

  Apr 2011 - Apr 2016

  Correspondent/Features Writer

  I worked as a reporter and editor covering politics, government, environment, arts and sports. I also edited news and opinion and editorial pages of the newspaper. For about four years, I interviewed some of the most prominent Nigerian politicians and public figures, wrote several analyses on governance and political trends, and covered political events and elections. I also made valuable inputs during the redesigning of the Sunday Punch newspaper.

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  C&F Porter Novelli

  Apr 2016 - Nov 2016

  Head, Content & Creative Development

  I led the Content and Creative Development Unit, giving strategic direction and managing the content development process for clients and the agency. I led a team that provided communication consultancy services to the Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and Frontier Oil Limited. I was also involved in developing communication strategies and content for HP, Maersk, IFC, and Guinness. As a part of the management team, I helped make decisions on the agency's operations. Show less

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  Chain Reactions Nigeria

  Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

  Associate Consultant, Content & Creative

  I was the agency's main content writer and field consultant. I travelled across the country to help clients mine content from their events, manage media crises and manage their relationship with journalists. He played a frontline role in managing communication during the transition of a leading telecommunication brand from Etisalat Nigeria to 9mobile. I accompanied leaders of the telecom company to several meetings, including those with delegates from Etisalat Abu Dhabi, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the minister of communication, and federal lawmakers. I played a similar role for Oando during its owner crisis, including countering false narratives about a protest at the oil firm's 2017 annual general meeting. Show less

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  Africa Check

  Jan 2018 - now

  Researcher & Community Manager

  Sorting facts from fiction and promoting fact-checking in Nigeria. I've fact-checked and debunked over 200 health and development claims, including some by public figures. I've helped train over 500 journalists and others in research techniques and fact-checking; promoted fact-checking on radio and TV; developed and implemented digital communication and media relations strategies, and managed Africa Check's reputation in Nigeria.

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  Africa Leadership Transformation (ALT) Foundation

  Mar 2021 - now

  Board Member

  I serve as the secretary of the nominations and governance committee of the board.