In an effort to enhance journalists’ capacity for advocating good governance, HEDA Resource Centre (Human and Environmental Development Agenda) and Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER) conducted a training session focused on ethics and professionalism in the coverage of corruption.
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During the Training, held in Lagos State, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC Nigeria, highlighted the pervasive issue of corruption in Nigeria and globally.
He emphasized the crucial role that the media plays in combating corruption.
Dr. Aliyu represented by Hadiza Rimi, stressed the significance of public trust and called on the media to maintain ethical reporting standards.
He emphasized the importance of verifying sources, rigorous fact-checking, and respecting privacy while pursuing accurate and responsible journalism.
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The Executive Director of Journalists for Democratic Rights, Mr. Wale Adeoye, emphasized the need for the media to broaden its focus on corruption reporting beyond politicians.
He encouraged scrutiny of the corporate sector, private businesses, and civil services.
Adeoye also advocated for internal training programs within media organizations to address ethics and professionalism in corruption coverage.
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Sulaimon Arigbabu, the Executive Secretary of HEDA, urged the media to expose corruption and emphasized the adverse impact it has on the masses. Arigbabu called for active follow-up on corruption cases and collaboration with relevant anti-corruption stakeholders, particularly anti-graft agencies.
The training session featured a presentation titled “The Media as a Tool for Transparency in Governance: Sustainable Tools for Investigative Reporting” delivered by Kabir Garba, Editor of The Guardian Newspaper, represented by Gbenga Salau.
