Professor Umaru Pate, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Kashere, has called on journalists in the northeast to contribute their quota in fighting corruption amongst other social vices facing the region.
Professor Pate charged the journalists on Thursday, July 25 while delivering a keynote address at a two-day round table meeting on issues and challenges in investigative and data-driven journalism in northeast Nigeria.
According to the VC, financial corruption, environmental corruption, terrorism and gender-based violence are at the forefront of challenges being faced, especially in northeastern Nigeria.
He said it is, therefore, the duty of reporters in the region to report these issues to raise awareness and get the attention of the government and relevant stakeholders.
“It is your duty to check and hold power to account,” Professor Pate stressed. “Investigative journalism pushes towards freedom of expression and information. Information is uncertainty reduction, our duty is to inform the public.”
He added that Investigative journalism is critical in sustaining good governance.
“Although, it is risky. A lot of people have died in the course of trying to rip out information. Not only in Nigeria but all over the world. It is expensive. But it is our duty to join in the collective fight against corruption to save our lives,” he continued.
Other notable dignitaries that graced the occasion include veteran Nigerian journalist, Cyril Stober, Director, McArthur Foundation, Africa Office, Dr Kole Shettima, CEO CISLAC and National Coordinator, Transparency International, Nigeria Office, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Deputy National President, NUJ Alhassan Yahaya amongst others.
