Investigative Reportage: Journalists express commitment to use of FOIA
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has empowered about 24 journalists with knowledge and usage of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) so as to improve investigative reporting skills
The two days capacity building held in Kaduna ended on Friday with commitment from the participants to judiciously put to use the knowledge acquired at the training session to improve on service delivery
SOLACEBASE reports that the training delved into various facets of investigative reporting and the effective utilization of the FOI Act, despite the hurdles faced when seeking information from both public institutions and private entities.
The facilitators, including Mr. Edetaen Ojo, the Executive Director of MRA, Mr. Ayode Longe, Deputy Executive Director, and Ms. Obioma Okonkwo, Head of the Legal Department, guided the participants.
Mr. Edetaen Ojo, in his presentation, gave the participants an insight on how to decide what investigative reports should be carried out using the FOI, and the relevant steps.
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“You may need additional information to conduct your story, that is one reason that will make you put the FOI to good use, even after having a tip from a source.” Ojo Said
“In investigative reporting, a tip or source isn’t enough, you must go out there and do your due diligence, and make sure you conduct interviews and fill gaps that are not clear from the documents and records you have in your possession.” He added
Throughout the sessions, participants expressed gratitude for the comprehensive presentations, which covered topics such as analyzing the FOIA, its scope, exemptions, procedures, penalties, and remedies.
One of the participants, Kehinde Ajibade from Albarka FM in Kwara State emphasized the verification of information from a reliable source.
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“You will be conducting an interview, you know the truth but the person you’re interviewing will be saying something off the track, you have no option but to be professional,” Ajibade stated
The training equipped attendees with practical skills, enabling them to craft FOI requests, monitor responses, verify information, and develop compelling stories rooted in FOI requests.
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