Nigerian journalists examine relevance, obstacles of Freedom of Information Act

Nigerian journalists in the South-West of the country on Tuesday embark on a 2-day training workshop on using the Freedom of Information Act for Investigative reporting, training organized by Media Right Agenda, held in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

Penpushing reports that the plenary session includes a pre-workshop test, statement of workshop objectives, overview of workshop programme, as well as overview and elements of investigative reporting and rule of records in investigating reporting.

The plenary session of the training sponsored and funded by the MacArthur Foundation also include understanding the Freedom of Information Act,2011, key features of the Freedom of Information Act, Proactive Disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and Duties and Obligations of Public Institutions Under the Freedom of Information Act.

Penpushing further reports that others are Fact Checking and Investigative Reporting, How Journalists and the Media Can Use the Freedom of Information Act, with sub-theme, who can apply for access to information, what types of information can be requested.

The other sub-theme include, what institutions/bodies can be approached for information, how to make a request for information, timelines for responses, fees for access to information and types of responses, while participants also engaged in brainstorming session to examine challenges in investigative reporting.

Penpushing also reports that the workshop which is to end on Wednesday will have session centered on review of day one activities, examine what investigative reports to carry out, formulating requests for information, while participants will draft actual requests for information to a public institution or private entity to which Freedom of Information Act applies

The plenary session will in same vein discuss interviews in investigative reporting, presenting the story from the investigative reporting, strategic and logistics issues, submitting requests for information and follow up technical support

Penpushing reports that the final plenary session of the workshop which received grant through Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) will look at post-workshop test, evaluation of workshop, while the participants will issue a communique

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