…As Delta Bureau Chief, Unilag Communication Scholars Brainstorm

Communication Scholars at the Department of Mass Communication on Tuesday identified investigative journalism and crime reporting as an integral part of nation building, and essential tools for resolving urban and national Problems in Nigeria, and in advanced democracies.

Chief facilitator at the brainstorming exercise, Mr Dipo Kehinde, a renowned crime and investigative Journalist, said credible data, neighbourhood witnesses, visit to scene of crime to gather facts, as well as information supplied by official Spokespersons is what the reporter need to craft exclusive story or article.

The crime expert added that to be an Award winning investigative Journalist or crime reporter, it requires good measure of reportorial enterprise and doggedness, adding that the investigator must be ready to go extra mile to dig deep into complex and difficult terrain to unearth hidden facts and secrets that would enhance good governance, urban and national development.

He further stated that investigative Journalism and deep rooted crime reporting cannot be over emphasized in governance, which is why members of the fourth estate of the realm must consistently develop their professional skills and techniques to unearth negative and positive facts that would enhance good governance, especially in developing countries and nascent democracies.

Dipo, a multiple Award winner in Investigate Journalism and crime reporting, former Deputy Editor of Sun Newspaper, further posited that resolving Urban and national Problems will continue to hand in the balance until Journalists place less emphasis on surface facts from government officials and spokesperson, and do more of investigative Journalism that would put those at the corridors of power on their toes.

He urged Journalists and Communication Scholars to embrace crime reporting and investigative journalism, so as to be able to discharge their constitutionally assigned responsibilities as watch dogs of the society, saying that checks and balances as well as oversight functions must be carefully observed, monitored and reported.

“Resolving urban problems requires good governance on the part of government, be it federal, state or local government.

“Bad governance is anti development, and Journalists must do their job by exposing sharp practices, actions and inactions of those in authority, in public and private sectors.

“And as watchdogs of society, you must be proactive and result oriented. Investigative Journalists and crime reporters must always go extra mile to dig deep into the action and inactions of those in authority to unearth hidden facts.

“Surface facts may not resolve urban and national Problems. Bad deals are hidden, and it’s the duty of Journalists to unearth those hidden facts and dirty deals at all times.

“Data gathering is essential in crime reporting and investigative Journalism. You have to go for credible facts through multifaceted strategies. You will encounter obstacles, harassments and threat to life, but the job must be done through multifaceted skillful reportorial enterprise.

“If we must resolve urban problems, members of the fourth estate of the realm must of a necessity place emphasis on crime reporting and investigative Journalism with less emphasis on surface facts.”

In the same vein, a senior lecturer and Associate Professor, Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Olunifesi Suraj averred that investigative Journalism is an integral part of checks and balances needed to enhance good governance in Nigeria.

He said resolving urban and national Problems requires painstaking efforts of Journalists, and they must strive hard to gather credible data to do their job, noting that societal decay and bad governance is as a result of declining moral values and strong desire for primitive accumulation of wealth by those in authority across board.

Associate Prof Suraj, charged UNILAG communication scholars and Journalists in Nigeria, to raise the stake in investigative Journalism and crime reporting by exhibiting high standard professionalism, while urging government Spokespersons and those in authority in public and private collectors to communicate facts, and provide credible data that would enable journalists to serve society better.

The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, told newsmen after the brain storming exercise in Wednesday that government Spokespersons in Delta State, under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, have been proactive in releasing facts, data and credible information to Journalists.

He said the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori operates open door policy, flawless partnership with the press, and working journalists in the state through the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Chaired by Comrade Churchill Oyicwe.

“Delta State under governor Oborevwori is making tremendous progress in all ramifications, including urban renewal through multifaceted development strategies.

“The State Ministry of Works (Urban Roads and Highways) is charged with the responsibility of supervising road infrastructure projects in Urban areas, including the ongoing construction of three mega flyovers and pedestrian bridges at DSC Roundabout, PTI junction, Effurun Roundabout and Enerhen junction up to Marine Gate.

“Resolving urban problems in Delta State, is ongoing through the provision of social services, good roads, quality health care, clean water, building of new schools and markets and maintaining existing ones, empowerment of youths, women and young graduates, etcetera.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we shall continue to be open and transparent in all state affairs, and in line with governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda. We have nothing to hide, and our doors are open for all working Journalists in the State,” Oghenesivbe assured.

Oghenesivbe, who doubles as the Executive Assistant on Communications to Governor Oborevwori, commended the Head of Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Prof Adepoju Tejumaiye, former HoD and International Communication Scholar, Prof Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, and the organiser of the brainstorming exercise, and Associate Professor, Olunifesi Suraj, for their hard work and impactation of quality knowledge from time to time.