By
Khadija Aliyu
Journalists and relevant stakeholders, converged in Kano for a town hall meeting, on anti corruption and promoting good governance in Nigeria.
The town hall meeting tagged: strengthening investigative data driven journalism in the fight against corruption in local languages in Nigeria; was organized as part of advocacy through investigative reporting, and programmes on alleged corruption, in partnership with twelve radio stations across six geo-political zones.
Speaking during the meeting, the executive director, WAMAC, Alhaji Zubair Abdurra’if explained that, the event was aimed at discussing with stakeholders, on the menace of corruption and how it affects governance, and well being of Nigerians.
He highlighted that, each year, corruption indices from both local and global organizations, places Nigeria on spotlights, due to monumental corruption and abuse of office.
The project manager noted that, the center in collaboration with Macfund had initiated a program of action, aimed at ameliorating corruption and promoting good governance, through data driven journalism, by reporting any aspect of corruption within the society.
Alhaji Zubair however stressed that, media advocacy and community engagement to fight corruption would compliment efforts of anti-corruption agencies to fight the menace.
“we are here in kano and our host and partner radio station, freedom have been producing an investigative program DANDUMA”
Also speaking, Kano state EFCC zonal commander Faruk Dogondaji, represented by Mr. Fidelis described the event as apt, saying that corruption is trending in Nigeria.
Presenting his paper, a lecturer with the department of economics, Sa’adatu Rimi university of education kano, Dr. Abdulsalam Kani, identified some forms of corruption to include bribery, extortion, nepotism, fraud, embezzlement, among others.
He noted that, factors responsible for systemic corruption are less public support and goodwill, lack of supervision as well as secrecy of transactions.
“corruption reports can be submitted in person or to emails/websites of any of the anti-corruption agencies”
Some of the participants who spoke to Radio Nigeria, Comrade Bilkisu Ado Zango, Aisha Bala Nasir, Abdullatif Abubakar Jos and Hassan Auwal Fagge decried over rising cases of corruption.
The event themed: issues of systemic corruptionin Nigeria; patterns and trends” organized by WAMAC and Mcarthur foundation was attended by Kano state NUJ chairman, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, journalists from broadcast, print and new media, as well as relevant stakeholders in anti-corruption sector.
