By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
Practicing journalists as well as Students aspiring to take on journalism as a profession have been encouraged to give investigative journalism a shot in the cause of their career.
This is because of the crucial role investigative journalism plays in promoting good governance and strengthening democracy, according to experts in the field of journalism who brought together students and practicing journalists at the International Conference on Trends in Investigative Journalism in Northern Nigeria.
The Conference was organised by WikkiTimes in collaboration with North Eastern University, Gombe and Tiger Eye Foundation, Ghana.
A renowned Mass Communication Professor, Umar Pate, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Kashere, highlighted the importance of Freedom of Information in facilitating investigative journalism.
Professor Pate noted that with the freedom of information act in place, journalists can access required data and information to conduct investigations.
He tasked Journalists to leverage on the existence of the freedom of information act obtainable in the country by embarking on investigative journalism.
He stated however that, though investigative journalism is risky and costly, it is essential for holding those in power accountable and promoting transparency.
Also speaking, the co-publisher of WikkiTimes, Ajibola Amzat, revealed that the outlet is currently facing several lawsuits as a result of its investigative reports.
According to Amzat, despite the challenges, the importance of investigative journalism can not be over emphasized, thus, encouraging mass communication students and journalists to pursue thorough investigative reports.
A renowned undercover Journalist and keynote speaker at the Conference, Anas Aremayau Anas, from Ghana also stressed the critical role journalists play in strengthening democracy, rule of law, and fighting corruption through investigative reports.
The conference which had the theme: “Strengthening Investigative Journalism in Northern Nigeria for Social Change: Successes and Challenges”, was held at the Yusuf Bala Usman Auditorium, North-Eastern University, Gombe.
The Conference was well attended by mass communication students and lecturers from the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, North-Eastern University, Gombe State, media chief executives, legal practitioners and journalists across the country.
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