AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Twenty journalists who participated in the 2-day Investigative Journalism training on ‘Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge’ (SPARK 2) project held recently in Abuja are set to investigate activities under the health and agriculture interventions in five states with recourse to their impacts on small holder women farmers and the vulnerable groups in the society.
The SPARK 2 training, which centred on evidence-based data reporting for the 20 journalists from five states of the federation, was organised by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting in partnership with the International Budget Partnership.
Ten reporters are scheduled to investigate each of the two sectors (agriculture and basic or primary health care system).
In his opening address during the training, Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of ICIR, harped on the need for the media to embrace data, research and evidence gathering in a bid to do a credible and balanced reportage.
Describing these as vital elements of investigative reporting, Aiyetan stressed that facts could be easily brought to the fore for public good if the media showed high level of commitment to the roles assigned to it for societal good.
Lauding the IBP for its commitment and consistency towards the realization of the objectives of SPARK 1 and the sponsorship of SPARK 2, he called for full cooperation of the participating journalists.
Aiyetan said, “I thank those of us who were part of SPARK 1 project for the incredible work you did. We are very proud of you,” while urging others to take the outcome of their assignments beyond the level of reporting by raising the stake.
He said, “We are expecting a whole lot from you. Please, attach serious importance to what we are doing so as to justify your inclusion and the resources being expended.”
Ayisat Abiona, Programme Officer, ICIR, said that the capacity training for the participants on investigative reporting was aimed at holding government accountable for greater impacts.
According to Dr. Olayinka Babalola, IBP Country Director, journalists as important stakeholders in societal development should exercise courage by engaging the leadership constructively.
Balanced reportage and continuous engagements of major stakeholders on developmental issues could trigger positive change in the society, Babalola said.
Ogechi Okebugwu, Programme Coordinator, Small-scale Women Farmers’ Organisation in Nigeria, urged journalists to rise to the plights of small holder women farmers in the country by investigating issues bothering on their neglect.
Other resource persons who engaged the participants during the capacity training are Hassan Taiwo, Seun Durojaiye and Olayinka Fatunbi.
