Google Selects Six Nigerian Creators for News Lab Program

The Google News Initiative (GNI) has selected six Nigerian independent news creators to participate in the Emerging News Voices Growth Lab, part of a sub-Saharan Africa cohort. The selected creators are Onlinebanker, Adetunji Films, More Branches T, Wearegst, Iswellthecapitalist, and The Republic.

This multi-month virtual program will run until late September 2026 and includes 20 emerging news creators from across the region. Marianne Erasmus, News Partnerships Lead for the Middle East and Africa at Google, stated that the Growth Lab aims to equip independent news creators with essential skills, including practical AI skills, audience strategies, and sustainable revenue pathways.

Wale Lawal, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Republic, expressed that the program provides practical methods for integrating audience insights and AI in journalism. Nasir Achile Ahmed, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of MoreBranches, noted the initiative's value in providing resources and fostering connections with experts and fellow journalists.