By: Abdulhafeez Oyewole
Media experts are calling on journalists to harness the power of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to uncover hidden truths and hold those in power accountable.
Ayode Longe, a seasoned expert from the Media Rights Agenda, emphasized the importance of the FOI Act during an online lecture for selected journalists in Ilorin.
The event was part of the Collaborative Media Project, organized by Albarka FM and funded by the MacArthur Foundation, with support from the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism.
"The FOI Act is a potent tool for investigative journalists," Longe stressed. "It enables them to access crucial information, records, and data necessary for in-depth reporting."
Longe guided participants through the intricacies of crafting effective FOI requests, highlighting the law's broad scope and protective benefits for journalists and their platforms.
Despite its potential, the FOI Act remains underutilized, particularly in states like Kwara, which have yet to implement the legislation despite court rulings affirming its applicability.
"Governors' reluctance to implement the FOI law hampers progress on freedom of information," Longe noted.
The lecture aimed to empower journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage the FOI Act, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
FACTUAL NAIJA NEWS reports that the Collaborative Media Project seeks to foster inclusive and accountable governance through investigative journalism.
The initiative is supported by the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism.
By equipping journalists with the tools and expertise to utilize the FOI Act effectively, the project aims to promote a more informed and engaged citizenry.
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