Nigerian Media Charged to Promote Transparent Government

The Royal Netherlands ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Bert Ronhaar says the media has a huge role to play in promoting transparent governance and accountability both in the public and private sectors through investigative journalism.

Mr Ronhaar stated this while delivering a speech at the 2011 Wole Soyinka award for investigative reporting held in Lagos.

The ambassador, who expressed worry over the rate of corruption and human rights abuse in the country, says despite the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill, the media has not done enough to check the activities of those in leadership

The 6th Wole Soyinka award for investigative journalism has been an initiative which began in 2007 to recognise journalists who have distinguished themselves in investigative reporting.

The event brought together guests from the media and diplomatic corp, and afforded them an opportunity to discuss key national issues, and the role of the media in fostering transparency in governance through unbiased reporting.

Merit awards were given to outstanding journalists in the print, online, climate change and photo journalism categories.

The winner of the investigative journalist of the year went to Mr Idris Akinboju of next newspaper, and retired Supreme Court Justice, Kayode Eso was represented with the anti-corruption defender award for his effort in promoting integrity in the judiciary.

Media veteran, Lanre Idowu got the lifetime award for journalistic excellence for his consistency and labour towards the growth of the Nigerian media.

The organisers of the event said they believe that the initiative will provide commitment to best practices in investigative journalism.

Winners for the merit award for this year went home with plaques, laptops, free internet access subscription and up to N100, 000 cash prizes each.