Journalists charged to put public interest first in reportage

Journalists have been charged to put public interest first in in the discharge of their duties.

This charge was handed out at a question-and-answer session on how to write award winning stories organized by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative reporting (WSCIJ).

In her Submission, Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika who was a judge for the online category of the 2023 WSCIJ award urged journalists to ensure that their stories are not unnecessarily long in order to retain their audience who may get bored when the story is too long.

“Over the years, we have noticed that some of the stories are unnecessarily too long because of the luxury of space at the disposal of online reporters. We need them to bring in precision to their story telling,” Professor Ogwezzy-Ndisika said.

Director of Daily Trust Foundation, Theophilus Abba noted that for a story to be investigative it must be unique, must reveal something new and something shocking.

“investigative work must uncover hidden information and be intriguing. It must avoid repetition or imitation of previously reported issues and must also not be predictable,” Dr Abba noted in his presentation.

While noting that “judges prioritise investigative stories that demonstrate transparency, ethical reporting and present verifiable quantitative and qualitative data,” Dr Abba stressed that an investigative story must be indepth.

Professor Umar Pate, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State in his presentation said the annual award is a is a great motivation for many journalists in the North and inspires many students and professionals to improve on themselves.

Deputy Editor pf Eagle Online Juliana Francis charged journalists to get a mentor who will hold them to account and also understand that investigative reporting is not a sprint but a marathon.

The Wole Soyinka Investigative Award for investigative reporting is in its 15year and call for entries will open later in the year.