The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has encouraged journalists not to be limited by the bureaucratic bottlenecks in their media outfits, but to explore the opportunities in social media to expose the hidden and factual issues of interest in the society.
Assistant Director, Media and Publicity Unit, EFCC Dele Oyewale gave the advice on Thursday in his paper tagged, “Media Investigative Journalism and Nigeria’s Fight Against Money Laundering” during a Media workshop for Journalists on Effective Reporting of Economic and Financial Crimes” held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
Oyewale regretted that investigative reporting of money laundering and other financial crimes is minimal in Nigeria and urged journalists to up their ante in that regard so as to rid the society of corruption.
He also called for synergy between the EFCC and the media, saying that investigative journalists should provide a strong lead for the anti-graft agency to work upon.
According to him, “Investigative reporting in Nigeria is minimal. Corruption reporting, drug trafficking, social injustice, environmental pollution, justice miscarriage, and crime reporting are scarcely investigative.
“Journalists should use social media opportunities for investigative journalism and show professional commitment.”
In his opening remarks, Uyo Zonal Commander of the commission, Assistant Commander Bawa Saidu, decried the rising cases of real estate and internet fraud in Akwa Ibom and urged the journalists to focus their searchlight on that sector, adding that the agency was working hard to tackle the menace.
Explore social media opportunities for investigative reports – EFCC tasks journalists