A Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Tokunbo Adaja, has called on journalists across Nigeria to enhance their investigative skills in exposing corruption and promoting transparency in governance.
During the university’s 11th Inaugural Lecture, Adaja spoke on the role of the press in holding the government accountable for its actions and ensuring public trust.
Speaking at the event held at the university’s main campus in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Adaja argued that Nigerian journalists have the power to drive meaningful change by rigorously reporting on government activities, particularly in areas such as public contracts, where corruption is rampant.
He urged media houses to adopt a proactive approach to monitoring and reporting on the executive, legislature, and judiciary to ensure these institutions remain in check.
Adaja also condemned the glorification of individuals with suspicious wealth, urging the media to investigate and reveal the sources of their fortunes to discourage corruption. According to him, a functioning democracy requires an informed and active populace.
Furthermore, Adaja criticised Nigeria’s lack of effectiveness in anti-corruption initiatives, which he believes have not yielded tangible results.
He argued that the failure of these programmes reflects poor leadership and ineffective implementation.
The professor contended that no anti-corruption campaign can succeed without the active involvement of the citizenry, urging the media to take the lead in raising public awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption.
He also called for profiling political candidates to help voters make informed decisions during elections.
The lecture was attended by several dignitaries, including the Vice-Chancellor of JABU, Professor Olasebikan Fakolujo, and traditional rulers, among others.
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