Interrogate And Expose Corruption, Osinbajo Urges Journalists
– Osinbajo calls for investigative journalism that would expose corruption.
– He said accurate reportage will make Nigeria and the world at large a better place.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has tasked Nigerian Journalists to continue to interrogate and expose corruption in the country.
The Vice President made the call on Monday in Abuja, at a two-day editorial conference on legal and ethical issues in investigative reporting in Nigeria, organised by Dailytrust in collaboration with Daily trust foundation and MacArthur foundation.
While noting that in this age of social media and fake news which spreads like wildfire, Osibajo pointed that the primary responsibility of media houses is accurate reporting.
The vice president who was represented by his Special Assistant on media, Laolu Akande added that the level of fake news and unverified information which was shared on social media and media platforms during the general elections makes it important for investigative journalism trainings in the country.
“In the age of social media, where for pecuniary, political or whatever interests, fake news spread like wild fire, and facts are distorted by a few individuals leveraging on various media platforms to push outright misrepresentation into the public space.
“Recent events, including the past general elections – where fake news and unverified information were shared by many on different media platforms, and on social media especially – have also put a spotlight on the importance of investigative journalism and why our country needs this aspect of the profession more than ever.”
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While calling for brave, dogged and passionate investigative journalists that can speak truth to power, with accuracy, without diluting the facts; Osinbajo said journalists who can dig deep into the heart of a story that would enhance the common good and improve the life of the common man, and not the selfish interest of a few.
He added that such journalists who would refuse the temptation of personal and political interests to rightfully investigate and expose corruption in every sector of society will make Nigeria and the world at large a better place for all.
