Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Adedayo Adeneye has advocated the need to resuscitate the comatose Freedom of Information Bill as well as revive the laws of libel and slander.
Adeneye said this while declaring open a two-day workshop on ‘Investigative Journalism for Female Student Journalists in South-West Nigeria, organised by Media Awareness and Information for all Network (MAIN) with the support of the United States Consulate General, Lagos, held at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Ojere, Abeokuta.
The Commissioner said a vibrant sector and civil society cannot be achieved without a committed and independent press because critical and in-depth reporting, which is what the media is all about, entails the unearthing of violations in all ramifications by Government officials, organizations and individuals.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr Eshomomo Imoudu, Adeneye said impediments such as the lack of policy backing, effective regulations, insurance, security challenges among others, have adversely hindered journalists from performing their duties effectively.
‘’A vital ingredient for successful investigative journalism is the strengthening of, and the adherence to the necessary regulations and policies. Here in Nigeria, there is not only the need to resuscitate the comatose Freedom of Information Bill but also to revive the laws of libel and slander. The Executive and the Media, which is the Fourth Estate of the Realm, should be partners in progress in this regard’’. He said.
While appealing to the organisers of the workshop to critically identify and seek ways of addressing impediments to investigative journalism, he also urged participants to take advantage of the workshop and let the knowledge reflect in their professional conduct.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Public Affairs Commission Director, US Consulate General, Lagos, Ms Dehab Ghebread advised participants to effectively utilize the workshop to enhance their performance as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
‘’Investigative journalism requires a serious work that needs young, vibrant and energetic people to serve as the voice of the people through reportage of news’’. She added.
Also speaking, Director (MAIN) Professor Lai Oso, said research shows that women are not so involved in journalism which informed his decision to organize the workshop for female student journalists to encourage them on the need to choose journalism as a career.