The advocacy visit was well-received, with the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang expressing strong support for TIJDIC’s efforts and recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability in achieving sustainable development goals in Cross River State.
By Nsikak Peter
TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Centre (TIJDIC), a leading non-governmental organization focused on promoting transparency and accountability in the Niger Delta region, recently conducted an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Information, Cross River State. The visit aimed to introduce the organization’s Environmental and Accountability Reporting (EAR) Project, a pioneering initiative designed to enhance transparency in environmental governance and promote public participation in the region.
During the visit, TIJDIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Archibong Jeremiah, outlined the organization’s vision of fostering a new era of journalism that collaborates with communities and civic groups to build a better future through evidence-based storytelling. “The EAR Project is central to this mission, seeking to strengthen environmental reporting, increase public engagement, and integrate environmental data into decision-making processes,” Jeremiah said.
The EAR Project’s key objectives include enhancing governance accountability, promoting sustainable development, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the region’s well-being. The project also aims to empower investigative journalists and civic space actors, protecting them from attacks and promoting transparency in governance through strategic partnerships.
TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation speaking.
He said, “We recently launched an FOI help desk to help communities, CSOs and individuals request information and act upon it.”
Highlighting TIJDIC’s commitment to supporting journalists and civil society organizations (CSOs), Jeremiah emphasized the availability of training opportunities through the organization’s monthly Masterclass. “This initiative, hosted at TIJDIC’s hub, provides co-working space, conference facilities, and other essential resources to journalists, CSO and communities across the Niger Delta region,” he said.
Reiterating that “TIJDIC remains dedicated to its mission of advancing social justice, transparency, and accountability in the Niger Delta region through impactful storytelling and strategic collaborations.”
The advocacy visit was well-received, with the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang expressing strong support for TIJDIC’s efforts and recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability in achieving sustainable development goals in Cross River State.
Dr Ekpang pledged to keep his doors open for initiatives that will entrench ethical media practice in Cross River State.
TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Centre Executive Director, Mr Archibong Jeremiah (left) presenting souvenirs to the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang (right).
He stated “You know, there are a lot of ways journalists coin issues. For instance, the last time I had a briefing, I said, by the grace of God, His Excellency, has approved for me to present in the Exco for renovation of Chronicle. And the journalist asked me what the amount is and I didn’t want to be specific anyway until after Exco. And then I just saw it in the caption head. It was like the government had approved it. It wasn’t possible.”
Advising, he said “I think journalists should put more effort in checking, we are very open. Fact checks, you can go verify, and all that, it’s a building process.”
About areas of collaboration, he said “But I want to urge you to continue to work closely with us and my doors are open for 24 anytime you are free to come to us.”
The State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Mike Odere came to see his counterpart unannounced and sat for the advocacy visit. In his brief statement, he commended the initiative and sued for more training for journalists in the state.
Mr Odere explained that it is imperative for journalists to be accurate as much as possible, rather than speculate when it comes cost of a project.
The State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Mike Odere (right), Mr Ben Okache (middle) and the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Information Mr Samuel Egbala (left) listening to TIJDIC’S Executive Director speak.
He maintained that under his watch, the Ministry of Finance will be open.