Citizens’ participation and funding are critical elements to drive the successful practice of investigative journalism in Nigeria towards the entrenchment of good governance
This was the conclusion of participants at a colloquium organized by the Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation in Lagos on Wednesday.
The Colloquium themed; “The vital link between investigative journalism and people-led good governance” highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the quest for development and good governance and the role of investigative journalism.
Nigerian lawyer and activist, Mr Femi Falana who was the keynote speaker at the event noted that investigative journalism unmasks serious abuses of power and can significantly impact society.
It roots out, sides many people want to hide when establishing fairness.
Mr Falana further challenged journalists to ask developmental questions from those aspiring to lead the country in the build-up to the 2023 general election rather than highlight their financial worth and acumen.
He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the amended electoral act bill presented to him by the legislature, noting that the bill has the capacity to improve and add value to the electoral process.
FUNDING
Other speakers at the event including a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Ibim Semenitari, agreed to the fact that paucity of finance remains the bane of journalism in Nigeria.
Semenitari posited that poor salaries, inadequate welfare amongst other factors have weighed heavily against the practice of true and in-depth journalism.
Mr Obiora Ilo, a leading broadcast Journalist in his submissions advocate for a review of the values of media establishments with a view to entrenching high journalism standards.
He also advised media organizations to explore alternative means of generating revenue to address challenges in operational costs and remuneration of workers.
The Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation is a not-for-profit organization using the vehicle of journalism to advance transparency and accountability in government.
PIAK
