Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Motunrayo Alaka, has called for renewed collaboration towards ensuring social change through investigative stories.
Speaking on April 11 in an x space organised by WSCIJ with the theme; ‘From problems to solutions: Leveraging on investigative journalism for social change’ which was monitored by our correspondent.
Alaka who was represented by Programme Officer of the Centre Samson Ademola, commended the panelists and participants.
She said, “Beyond calling for attention on wrongdoings around corruption regulatory failures and human rights abuses investigative journalism is potent to provide solutions to societal problems and for societal change.”
While enumerating the impact of WSCIJ with its partners, Alaka called for more concerted efforts towards using investigative journalism to entrench good government.
“Together let use the power of investigative journalism to create a more just and equitable and accountable society for all,” she added.
Also, Editor of Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Damilola Ayeni, discussed on how investigative journalism has led to tangible social change such as legal action and awareness campaigns.
He said, “Its about unveiling matters that are concealed to the public.
On her part, Deputy Editor Eagle Online, Juliana Francis, talked about ethical standards noting that it was imperative for journalists to maintain the right standing.
Francis said undercover reporting should be the last resort, warning journalists against building false evidence to support their hypothesis.
According to her, it’s wrong to commit a crime in order to write investigative story, stressing that morality should be imperative.
“We need to have integrity its important. We must censor ourselves before going into investigation, we need to deal with our biases. It is not enough that you reached out but when did you reach out to the other party,” she said.
On his part, Features and Investigation Editor at The Cable, Taiwo Adebulu, who spoke on emerging trends in investigative journalism noted that there a lot of issues trending globally, adding that “the one that concerns us most are corrupt practices, regulatory failures, human rights issues and social justice. As we seek to unearth these we are not just doing the public a favour but ourselves as it makes our society better.”
Also, General Manager, Albarka FM Ilorin Rasheed Adigun, who shared on how investigative journalism can help empower a community, adding that “when journalists visit communities it empowers community members to be enlightened, exposes them about governance. It gives them sense of belonging, gives them the needed voice.”
Also billed for the virtual session was Tessy Igomu, PUNCH Healthwise Editor.
Igomu, an erstwhile Head of Investigation Desk was expected to explore investigative techniques and approaches journalists can use to unravel complex issues but for glitches.
