Hold Leaders To Account, Workshop Tasks Journalists

The Inoyo Toyo Foundation (ITF) has organised a training for journalists on investigative approach to ethical journalism, pointing out that it remained one of the best ways to hold leaders and public officers to account.

Chairman of the committee for the Ray Ekpu Prize for Investigative Journalism, Mr. Nsikak Essien, while delivering a speech at the forum urged journalists in the state to strengthen their investigative reporting skills in order to promote accountability, transparency and quality journalism in Nigeria.

The training, organised to enhance the capacity of journalists to undertake high-quality investigations and produce impactful reports, brought together media practitioners and resource persons who shared insights on improving professional standards in the media industry.

Welcoming participants, Essien, a former editor of Concord Newspapers, said the workshop was designed to significantly improve the ability of journalists to carry out thorough investigations and produce reports that meet global standards of professionalism.

He expressed appreciation to Mr. Udom Inoyo and the Inoyo Toro Foundation for their continued support for advancing the practice of journalism in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.

Essien also commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, under the leadership of Mr. Nsibiet John, for partnering in the organisation of the workshop.

He further acknowledged the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Abuja, particularly its executive director, Mr. Dayo Aiyetan, for what he described as “extraordinary support” that made the workshop possible.

According to him, several other individuals and organisations also contributed financially and materially towards the success of the programme.

Essien urged participants to take full advantage of the training to sharpen their professional skills and add value to their journalism practice, stressing that investigative journalism remains a vital tool for promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in society.

Declaring the workshop open, he expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would strengthen investigative reporting and enable journalists to produce stories that have meaningful impact on society.

Resource persons at the workshop included the Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Mr. Dayo Aiyetan, who spoke on “How to Plan a Successful Investigation.” Mr. Ibanga Isine delivered a lecture on “Investigative Reporting in the Akwa Ibom State Environment,” while Mr. Ekemini Simeon shared his experience in investigative journalism.

In his remarks, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Mr. Nsibiet John, commended the Inoyo Toro Foundation and the Committee for the Ray Ekpu Prize for Investigative Journalism, led by Mr. Nsikak Essien, for their commitment to promoting impactful journalism and improving the professional capacity of journalists in the state.