…Centre tasks journalists on evidence-based, data reportingÂ
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), with support from the International Budget Partnership (IBP), on Wednesday , began a two-day training for journalists selected for its fellowship.
The investigative journalism training is on ‘Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge’ (SPARK 2) project.
The ongoing training, at the Grand Pela Hotels and Suites, Garki, Abuja, is for 20 senior journalists in five states in the country.
SPARK 2 Fellowship focuses on health and agriculture interventions.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of ICIR, Dayo Aiyetan, said Investigative Journalism exposes wrongdoings and corruption as well as digs and uncovers scandals in the society in public interest.
The Executive Director stated that data and research are very important in Investigative Journalism.
He, therefore, urged the journalists to embrace data, research and evidence in their reportage.
In her remarks, the IBP Country Director, Dr. Olayinka Babalola, said journalists are the conscience of the nation, adding that their reports could engender change in the society.
Also, the Programme Coordinator of  Small-scale Women Farmers’ Organisation in Nigeria  (SWOFON), Ogechi Okebugwu, urged journalists to give more support to plights of women farmers.
Oluwaseun Durojaiye took the journalists on Solution Journalism while Hassan Taiwo focused on Writing for Impact.
Earlier, the Programme Officer of ICIR, Ayisat Abiona, said the programme is to build the capacity of journalists on investigative and impactful reporting that could hold people in government accountable.