USE YOUR INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS TO FIND WHAT TRIGGERS EROSION & FLOODING IN ANAMBRA

REPORTER: ALFRED AJAYI

The Commissioner for Environment in Anambra State, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, has charged journalists to support efforts of the government towards tackling the twin menace of flooding and erosion in the area.

Dr. Odimegwu gave the charge during the 2023 Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Accountability and Watchdog Conference with the theme “Investigative Journalism, Leadership Accountability and Leadership for Sustainable Development.”

The Commissioner noted that the investigative journalism skills would help greatly to unravel the factors triggering erosion and flooding and what should be done by all and sundry to address them or reduce their adverse impacts on the society.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, explained that the present administration under the leadership of Professor Chukwuma Soludo, is resolute to make Anambra a peaceful and prosperous homeland, hence its decision to open up governance to make the citizens informed of government activities.

In a keynote address, Dr. Emman Ude-Ekpeh, maintained that the media as a fourth estate of the realm must fully deploy its investigative prowess as a tool to ensure that people entrusted with governmental responsibilities of delivering good governance in various sectors of the economy must do so with a sense of patriotism.

While recalling the challenges facing journalism practice in Nigeria, Ude-Akpeh advised journalists to take precautions and embrace collaborative work to minimize the challenges and protect the well-being of investigative reporters.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Dr. Emeka Odogwu, charged journalists to continue to serve as the moral compass of the society by spotlighting various types of corruption which characterized governmental activities and operations in the country.

The chairperson, NUJ Accountability and Watch-dog Committee, Ukpa Ewa Eke, opined that investigative journalism plays a crucial watchdog role that promotes accountability as a counterbalancing power.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU