ICPC, NUJ and MacArthur Foundation Seek Media Support in the Fight Against Corruption

By Anas Ado Saeed:

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) with support from MacArthur Foundation, have organized a one-day workshop aimed at fighting corruption.
The workshop, with the theme “The Power of the Pen in the Fight Against Corruption,” a critical initiative organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission was organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and with support from MacArthur Foundation
Addressing the the participants at the workshop, the President Nigeria Union of Journalists Comrade Chris Isiguzo, emphasized the crucial role of the media in the fight against corruption.
The president commended ICPC for its ongoing efforts in the fight against corruption and MacArthur Foundation for its commitment in advancing good governance in Nigeria.
He added that “Corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to Nigeria’s progress, which undermines development, widens inequality, and perpetuates a cycle of poverty and instability.
The president also enumerated some of the roles played by journalists to include Exposing Corruption Through Investigative Journalism:, Raising Public Awareness and Mobilizing Citizens and Creating a Culture of Transparency and Accountability, among others.
The president urged the journalists to take full advantage of the workshop, to engage meaningfully with the sessions on investigative journalism, ethical standards, and data journalism.
In his goodwill message the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, has called on the media to intensify its efforts in supporting the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Also Speaking at the occasion, the ICPC Chairman highlighted the essential role played by the media in promoting transparency and holding individuals and institutions accountable.
Dr Aliyu stressed that the media is a crucial partner in exposing corrupt practices and creating public awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption.
He urged journalists to continue digging deep into corruption cases, but also to ensure accuracy, fairness, and professionalism in their reporting.

Dr. Kole Shettima, the Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, on his part called on the media to not only expose corruption but also highlight positive stories and individuals driving change in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
Dr. Shettima stressed the dual responsibility of the media, in holding corrupt individuals accountable and promoting stories of integrity and transformation.
He emphasized that while investigative journalism remains a powerful tool in uncovering corrupt practices, the media must also celebrate those working tirelessly to foster transparency and accountability.
Dr. Shettima noted that media organizations should balance this by also shining a light on success stories, those who are working within the system to make a difference.