The Chairman, Daily Trust Foundation (DTF), Mallam Wada Maida, has charged journalists to imbibe the habit and ethics of balanced, qualitative investigative reporting to rid Nigeria of corruption.
Maida gave the charge on Monday in his opening remark at a 3-day training on “Investigative Journalism for NYSC Members and Interns” held at AES Luxury Apartments in Abuja.
He lauded investigative journalism as a catalyst for societal development.
“Investigative journalism makes impact in the society and engenders change. Although many say it is a deadly zone; it is the only form of journalism that can rid Nigeria of corruption and bring the needed change,” he stated.
The media veteran tasked the trainees to make investigative reporting a priority, as against routine news, especially at a “time the nation’s commonwealth is being hijacked by few individuals.”
He further asked them to take the training, being sponsored by Daily Trust Foundation in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation, seriously and as an opportunity to acquire the relevant skills needed to succeed in the profession.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Daily Trust Foundation, Theophilus Abbah, said the training was aimed at grooming young journalists and interns on evidence-based reporting which he acknowledged, remains the “major ingredient in investigative journalism in the 21st century.”
“The journalism profession is now driven by investigations, which has now proven to be the only tool at the disposal of journalists to ensure transparency in government,” The Executive Director said.
