Collaboration, key to tackling corruption – Senate C’ttee
Stakeholders have been enjoined to wage a more unified fight to conquer the scourge of corruption and build the dream for the nation.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende, gave this advice while declaring open the one-day workshop on effective collaboration in corruption prevention, organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in conjunction with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), which was supported by the MacArthur Foundation, held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Udende, who was represented at the occasion by the Chairman of the Special Duties Committee of the Senate, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, said participants at the workshop should foster stronger partnerships, craft effective strategies, and commit to a more transparent and accountable Nigeria. He called for synergy between anti-corruption agencies, the National Assembly, the media, and civil society, which he said is crucial to achieving sustained progress while promising the continuous and unwavering support of the National Assembly in the fight against corruption.
He stated that this would be accomplished through legislative reforms, oversight, and budgetary appropriations aimed at strengthening anti-corruption efforts.
Emphasizing that the role of the media goes beyond reporting, Udende affirmed that the media are the driving force behind the dissemination of information that gives voice to the people.
“The pen is a critical weapon in the battle for transparency, accountability, and good governance. The power of the press should be guided by truth, ethics, and professionalism, because responsible reporting is not just a duty but a necessity to maintain the trust of the public and make lasting strides in the fight,” he stated.
In a keynote address, the President and Chairman of the Council of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, highlighted the unique position occupied by journalists in society as watchdogs and agents of change through the power of their pens.
He stressed the need for increased collaboration between the media, public relations practitioners, and stakeholders to expose and tackle corruption effectively. According to him, using the power of the pen with integrity and commitment will hold leaders accountable, raise public awareness, and influence policy reforms.
Dr. Neliaku called on journalists to embrace a new approach in their reporting on corruption.
He highlighted the importance of shaping narratives that not only expose corrupt practices but also encourage prevention, urging the media to present corruption as a societal ill that can be cured through collective effort and early intervention.
He recommended a focus on rebuilding public trust by involving citizens in the discourse and creating awareness campaigns that educate the masses on the dangers of corruption.
Dr. Neliaku seeks a unified effort to eradicate corruption from Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
While making closing remarks, he appreciated ICPC for organizing the workshop, which he said fosters a platform for dialogue and education.
He assured his institute’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in public office and called for continuous training and capacity building for journalists to enhance their investigative reporting skills.
