The Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA) today marked a landmark moment in its drive for citizen-led accountability, as it formally graduated the pioneer cohort of the Certified Citizen Reporter (CCR) programme at a colourful ceremony held at IONA House, 12 Moremi Street, Iloro, Ile-Ife.

Under the theme "Credible Reports. Stronger Communities. Better Nigeria," the event brought together trainers, community leaders, and 30 newly certified participants for an afternoon that organisers described as "not simply a certificate presentation," but the beginning of the CCRs' practical field engagement.

Ahead of the ceremony, GNA confirmed that 19 participants had already successfully completed their certification examination through i3Cert Global, with remaining candidates scheduled to sit theirs in the days around the event. Organisers assured participants facing scheduling or technical challenges that "every case will be attended to, and everyone will have the opportunity to take their exam. No one will be left behind."

Proceedings opened at 2:00 PM with prayer led by GN Bosun Awofisayo, followed by the national anthem, and a welcome address from GN (Prince) Johnson Oluwafunso Adetayo, Chairman of the IFE Central CAA Committee.

GN (Dr.) Kayode Elusoji, Executive Director of GNA, delivered remarks on the vision and impact of the CCR programme, framing it as a structured pathway from training into real community and field engagement. He was followed by goodwill messages from GN (Prince) Tokunbo Adeniji and GN (Sooko) Adeleke Odewade, both members of the IFE Central CAA Committee.

Two inspirational talks rounded out the reflective segment of the programme: GN (Prof.) Adeola Ologbenla-Shobola spoke on "Youth, Governance and a Better Nigeria," while GN Micheal Ojo, Vice-Chairman of the IFE Central CAA Committee, addressed "Community Development and Nation Building."

The heart of the ceremony was the presentation of Certificates of Attendance to the graduating cohort, among them Adebayo Odeyemi, Adefioye Ayobami Joseph, Efunsanmi Oluwasemilogo Joseph, Oladipo Adesewa Victoria, Rafiu Oyebamiji, and Temitope Stephen Adebayo, alongside two dozen other trained citizens now equipped to serve as frontline monitors of governance and infrastructure in their communities.

A representative of the newly Certified Citizen Reporters delivered special remarks, followed by a session in which selected CCRs shared their responses and early impressions of the programme. One graduate captured the mood of the cohort in a message shared ahead of the event:

"I want to sincerely appreciate the sponsors and organisers of the CCR programme and our dedicated instructors on this platform for this impactful opportunity. The lessons, guidance and support throughout the course made it easy to learn and excel. I am proud to have completed the program and got a good score. This certification is a stepping stone for me."

Another participant, reflecting on the support received during the examination period, thanked the GNA leadership and training team directly: "Thank you so much for this great initiative and for the genuine passion you continue to show... I am truly grateful to each and every one of you."

In a forward-looking segment, GN Seyi Gesinde, Editor-in-Chief of GNA TV & News, briefed attendees on the next phase available to graduating CCRs, the Certified Digital Journalist (CDJ) Certification, positioning today's ceremony as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint for the cohort.

The programme closed with a vote of thanks from GN (Barr.) Festus Olaobaju, followed by closing prayer and a group photograph capturing the pioneer class of GNA's Certified Citizen Reporters.

Graduates were also provided token transportation support, refreshments, and GNA-branded T-shirts for the occasion, alongside practical demonstrations and orientation ahead of their deployment into fieldwork across their communities.

Citizens • Communities • Accountability • Sustainable Development