Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative journalism, WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, has said that both accountability journalism and democracy are under threat in Nigeria.
The WSCIJ boss who made the remark at the 17th Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporters held in Lagos, noted with deep concern, the pool of risk journalists are faced with daily in the discharge of their duties.
She regretted that although Nigeria is a democratic state, journalists still operate under hostile environment, a sad development she said, should not obtain under democratic dispensation.
Motunrayo, however, noted that despite the prevailing harsh environment, courageous journalists still dig deep and expose some of the unethical behaviours of public office holders for the good of society.
She said that the award was organized to celebrate investigative journalists “who defy the odds, sacrifice personal interests, and risk their lives in the line of duty for people and country.”
The WSCIJ boss who urged journalists to focus on investigative journalism, however, noted that the cost of accountability journalism which has been on the increase since the outbreak of COVID-19, could become higher as the 2023 polls get closer.
“Despite these numerous challenges, many journalists hold both government and citizens accountable. To acknowledge this endeavour which guarantees the sanctity of our civic space, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, WSCIJ, has made it a duty to reward phenomenal works and encourage the culture of Investigative Journalism.”
Motunrayo who gave the theme of the two-day conference and award as: “In-depth Media and Democratic Governance,” disclosed that the Centre, had, since 2005, rewarded 108 finalists, 56 Soyinka Laureates, and 12 Investigative Journalists of the Year.
According to her, 26 deserving Nigerians have so far been presented with the Lifetime Award for Journalists Excellence, and the Anti-Corruption/Human Rights Defender Awards.
A keynote Speaker, Professor Lai Oso of the School of Communication, Lagos State University, said that democracy could not thrive without free press.
He challenged journalists to give priority to investigate journalism in keeping with their mandate of holding the leaders accountable for society.
Professor Oso who noted that “investigative journalism requires time, patience and resources,” also urged journalists to maintain ethical standards and uphold professionalism, objectivity and fairness in their reportage.
According to him, the goal of Investigative Journalism will be how to maintain ethical behaviour in society.
He expressed displeasure that many journalists shy away from investigative journalism apparently due to laziness, regretting that Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, make use of the Freedom of Information FOI Bill more than journalists.
He challenged journalists to beam their searchlight on candidates for the various positions in the 2023 elections with a view to investigating the sources of their campaign funds, as well as doing a comparative analysis of their campaign manifestos.
The conference featured many sessions including interactive sessions, lectures, panel discussions and practicals on fact-checking.
Highlight of the event was award of honour to the deserving journalists and other honorary award recipients.
Hassan Adebayo of the Premium Times, with his entry: “Pandora Leaks,” won the Best Journalist of the Year Award.
Abdulaziz Abdulaziz of Trust TV, Juliana Francis of the New Telegraph, and Deji Lambo of Punch Newspapers were among the distinguished journalists honoured at the event.
