The Chairman of the Committee for the Ray Ekpu Prize for Investigative Journalism, Nsikak Essien, has called on journalists to strengthen their capacity in investigative reporting to promote accountability and quality journalism in Nigeria.
Essien made the call while delivering a speech titled “Towards Journalism That Delivers” at a workshop on investigative journalism held in Uyo on Thursday.
The workshop, organized to improve the capacity of journalists to conduct high-quality investigations and produce impactful reports, brought together media practitioners and resource persons to enhance professional standards in the industry.
Welcoming participants, Essien, who was former Editor of Concord Newspapers said, the training was designed to drastically improve the ability of journalists to carry out thorough investigations and produce reports that meet global standards of professionalism.
He expressed gratitude to Udom Inoyo and the Inoyo Toro Foundation for their support in advancing the practice of journalism in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
Essien also commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, under the leadership of Nsibiet John, for its collaboration in organizing the workshop.
He further appreciated the Abuja-based International Centre for Investigative Reporting, particularly its Executive Director, Dayo Aiyetan, for their “extraordinary support” which made the workshop possible.
According to him, several other individuals and organizations also contributed both financially and materially to ensure the success of the programme.
Essien urged the journalists participating in the training to take full advantage of the opportunity to improve their professional skills and add value to their journalism practice.
He emphasized that investigative journalism remains a critical tool for promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in society.
Declaring the workshop open, Essien expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would strengthen investigative reporting and help journalists produce stories that make meaningful impact on society.
Resource persons at the workshop included; the Executive Director of International Centre for Investgative Reporting (ICIR), Abuja, Mr. Dayo Aiyetan, who spoke on “How To Plan A Successful Investigation”, Mr. Ibanga Isine, “Investigative Reporting In The Akwa Ibom State Environment” and Mr. Ekemini Simeon reeled “His Experience In Investgative Reporting” respectively.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Mr. Nsibiet John commended Inoyo Toro Foundation and the Chairman, The Committee For Ray Ekpim Prize In Investgative Journalism, Mr. Nsikan Essien for contributing positively in journalism of impact and improving the skills of members in the State.
The NUJ Chairman, who pledged his continuous collaboration with Inoyo Toro Foundation and the International Centre For Investigative Reporting, Abuja to raise the standard of practice, and for the development of the society said, the training of members through periodic workshops and seminars was in fulfilment of his campaign promises to members.
Participants expressed delights in the workshop praying for continuous retraining of members to improve their practice.
