Media professionals have underscored the importance of investigative journalism as a string tool for achieving a better government in Nigeria .
The media experts stressed this while featuring on a BETA Government Radio Talkshow organized by Inspiration Care and Development Center with the support of LEAP Africa and the Nigeria Youth Future Funds NYFF.
The discussion centred on the importance of investigative reporting, the challenges faced by journalists, and how such journalism can lead to significant political and social change.
The programme aims at inspiring greater public support for investigative journalists and encourage active participation in efforts to foster a better, more transparent governance system.
The overall goal is to continue to educate the public by providing relevant information to foster a system of accountability and transparency in government procurement process in Ekiti State.
One of the discussants and Executive Director, Journalists For Open Government & Inclusion (JOGI) ,Alhaji Yaqoub POPOOLA poditedvthst no nation can prosper without investigative journalism.
Popoola spoke on how the public can leverage on and engage with investigative journalism.
He also shared some of the challenges faced by investigative journalists in Nigeria, including threats to their safety, legal battles, and the financial and logistical difficulties of conducting thorough investigations.
He also discussed the importance of supporting and protecting journalists who take on these vital, yet often dangerous, assignments.
Another discussant ,Social Media Manager and Founder Build a Child Initiative ,Janet Isesele provided insights in examples of impactful investigative reports
She shared some key’s findings from our Ongoing project tracking under the BETA Government Project was also a key highlight of the conversation.
Moreover, the Ms. Janet Isesele in her own submission also highlighted the role of technology and social media in enhancing investigative journalism, enabling greater reach, and engaging the public in the fight for a better government. She further discuss how citizens can support investigative journalism under the Beta Government project tracking across the 16LGAs by being vigilant, sharing credible information, and demanding transparency from their leaders. People need to know how to track government projects being undertaken within their communities by checking out the state government Berue of Public procurement data portal where government projects are being uploaded for the public to access. Citizens should log on to https://ocds.bpp.ekitistate.
They highlighted investigative journalism and its importance in a democratic society.
The series explore how in-depth reporting and well-researched exposés have historically led to significant policy changes and reforms in Nigeria. The program also highlighted key investigations that have uncovered major corruption scandals, brought justice to victims, and prompted governmental and institutional changes in Nigeria.
Investigative journalism is a powerful tool in the fight for good governance, serving as a watchdog that uncovers the truth, exposes corruption, and holds those in power accountable. In a country like Nigeria, where challenges of corruption, mismanagement, and lack of transparency persist, investigative journalism plays a critical role in driving reform and ensuring that the government works in the best interest of its citizens. The third episode of BETA GOVERNMENT ON RADIO delves into the crucial role that investigative journalism plays in achieving a better, more transparent government in Nigeria.