Media practitioners have been asked to fully deploy investigative skills as a tool to ensure that people entrusted with responsibilities deliver for the good of the masses.
In his keynote speech at a one-day conference organized by the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, a pioneer Governor of Rotary International District 9142, Dr Emman Ude-Akpeh noted that despite the observed challenges, investigative journalism still has roles to play in driving sustainable development, reason he asked practitioners to take precautions and work together in order to minimize risks, as well as equip themselves with research skill, critical thinking ability and knowledge of the law.
Dr Ude-Akpeh noted interferences such as influence of media organisation proprietors and highly-regulated media space, as well as other challenges facing investigative journalists, but said the work must be done in the interest of the masses.
Earlier in his opening remark, the Chairman of the event and Head of Mass Communication Department, Paul University Awka, Dr Azubuike Nkala, commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists for organizing the educative programme, and for doing what he termed “thankless job”, which in turn propels democracy.
In their separate remarks, the Anambra State Council Chairman of the NUJ, Dr Emeka Odogwu, and the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Ukpa Ewa, said as a counterbalancing power, investigative journalism plays crucial role in promoting accountability, and enables citizens have access to information and means to advocate for their concerns.
They called for efforts to ensure that the media continue to contribute in improving accountability, transparency and rule of law in governance.
the conference with the theme, “Investigative journalism: leadership, accountability and stewardship for sustainable development”, attracted public servants and some members of the Anambra State Executive Council, including the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Anambra State Security Trust Fund, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, represented by the Executive Secretary, Mr. Daniel Ofoneme, Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu, his Budget and Economic Planning counterpart, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, who took turn to give account of their stewardship.
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