By; Mohammed Kawu.
Journalists’ weekend rose from their Kaduna workshop on investigative journalism and evidence-based reporting with far reaching recommendations on how to bring about positive change on societal health issues.
Twelve journalists drawn from Lagos and Bauchi extensively brainstormed on the topic “Investigative journalism, Maternal and New-born Health” at the Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna with, among other recommendations, that journalists should apply knowledge gained during the workshop to their work.
The workshop also recommended that participants look beyond the ordinary and collaborate to do impactful investigative reports, and learn to use modern techniques in their work, as well as be patient as investigative journalism involves data collection, facts checking and time.
Organized by MamaYe- Evidence for Action (E4A), a non-governmental organization, the workshop further recommended that participants should be dogged, resourceful and resilient in executing their constitutional responsibilities by looking beyond monetary gains because investigative reporting is public service.
Communiqué of the workshop which exposed participants to the use of evidence in news reporting and feature writing, similarly recommended that journalists develop themselves intellectually and technically to sharpen their skills on investigative reporting.
It further wants the participants take advantage of capacity building opportunities on investigative journalism, as well as make sacrifices, particularly on matters of public interest, as a way of contributing to the good of the society.
The communiqué signed by the drafting committee Chairman, Mrs. Appolonia Adeyemi has the workshop participants agreeing to go beyond activity reporting to evidence-based reporting. There is inadequate evidence-based reporting of maternal and new-born health issues.
Workshop observed the dearth of evidence-based reporting of maternal and new-born health issues in Nigeria which is not bringing the expected change, while the high incidence of maternal deaths, currently put at 40,000 annually, and the incidence of new-born deaths need to be effectively addressed to mitigate their impact.
It also observed journalists’ poor pay as inimical to quality reporting of MNH issues while media ownership interference, political and marketing interests conflict with adequate coverage of MNH issues, as well as poor networking and collaboration among journalists which hamper wider coverage of MNH issues.
