A significant highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Help Desk by TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Centre.
By TheInvestigator
On Friday, August 16, 2024, TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Centre (TIJDIC) with support from the MacArthur Foundation through the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) organised an engagement session on Environmental and Accountability Governance at TheInvestigator Hub.
The event brought together representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in environmental and accountability issues within the state.
The day commenced with the arrival and registration of participants at 9:00 AM, followed by an opening prayer at 9:25 AM. Participants introduced themselves during a brief introductory session at 9:30 AM, setting the stage for a day of in-depth discussions and collaborative efforts.
The welcome remarks, delivered by the Executive Director (ED) of TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Centre, Comr. Archibong Jeremiah Ojanga provided an overview of the event’s objectives and agenda, emphasizing the importance of enhancing environmental and accountability governance in Cross River State.
At 10:00 AM, Mr Arinze Gideon, a multiple award-winning journalist delivered a key presentation on the strategies for enhancing environmental and accountability governance. This was followed by a roundtable discussion moderated by Effanga Etim, South-South Coordinator of #FollowTheMoney, a project implemented by CODE (Connected Development), where participants delved into the challenges and opportunities in environmental and accountability reporting.
After a brief tea break at 11:30 AM, attendees reconvened for a breakout session, where they brainstormed actionable strategies in four key areas: Strengthening media reporting mechanisms, promoting public engagement, enhancing accountability, and integrating data into policy and decision-making.
Each group presented their ideas, contributing to a rich exchange of perspectives aimed at driving positive change in governance practices.
A significant highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Help Desk by TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Centre. This initiative aims to support journalists and CSOs in accessing crucial information for reporting and advocacy.
The event concluded with closing remarks where the ED summarized key takeaways and outlined the next steps for the Environmental and Accountability Reporting (EAR) Project.
Participants were encouraged to continue their efforts in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
The event wrapped up with lunch and networking, providing participants with the opportunity to build connections and further discuss the day’s insights.
The engagement underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between CSOs and the media in addressing environmental challenges and promoting accountability in governance, setting the stage for future initiatives that will benefit the citizens of Cross River State and beyond.
See the pictures below:
