By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has described the pen of journalists as a vital weapon in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

He said given the core mandate and the various anti-corruption and corruption prevention initiatives introduced, the commission appreciated the power of the pen as a vital weapon in citizens collective fight against corruption.

Speaking at a one-day workshop organised by the ICPC in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), with support from the MacArthur Foundation, on ?Effective Collaboration In Corruption Prevention? on Monday, October 21, 2024, in Abuja; the chairman called on journalists to use their pen to expose corruption in the country.

He disclosed that the online campaigns via social media can mobilize public support for anti-corruption activities, while podcasts like their recently launched Ethics Pod offer incisive discussions on ethics and integrity.

?The Ethics Pod gives Nigerians a voice, allowing them to contribute ideas for promoting ethics, integrity, and the fight against corruption. You can find it on YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram @icpcnigeria,? he stated.

He said the objective Is to mobilize citizens for effective anti-corruption efforts, aligning with the pillars of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) focused on engagement and ethical reorientation.

?Recognizing the importance of communication in driving our action plan, we have developed a robust Communication Strategy and reviewed our four-year-old Communication Policy to ensure they are aligned with present national realities.

According to the chairman, investigative journalism exposes corruption, holds public officials accountable, and facilitates transparency.

He noted that the ICPC has long valued its collaboration with the media, partnering on initiatives such as investigative training, radio and television programs, and tracking anti-corruption projects, including the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative.

?The media can also serve as a platform for advocacy, using editorials, blogs, and opinion pieces to raise public awareness about corruption.?

?At the ICPC, we understand the significant influence of the media in raising awareness, educating the public, and promoting accountability at both micro and macro levels?, the chairman added.

While appealing to Nigerians to support public officials in their commitment to integrity, the chairman viewed the media as a vital partner and co-change agent in the commissions? collective mission to reshape mindsets for sustainable development.

?As we proceed with today?s workshop, I hope that the insights from our expert presentations and panel discussions will enhance journalists? understanding of the ICPC?s mandates and lead to a formal platform for collaboration aimed at preventing corruption?, he emphasized.

In his address, the NUJ President, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, said corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to Nigeria?s progress.

?Today, we are gathered here as journalists from across the nation, united by a shared goal to explore the immense potential of the media as a force for positive change, especially in combating corruption.

?Journalists are the eyes and ears of society. We are often the first to uncover and report on the underhand dealings that threaten the nation?s future.

?The power of the pen is undeniable: it can expose corruption, challenge those in power, and empower citizens to demand accountability?, he added.

Those in attendance are the Director, Representative of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Director General National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), DG Voice of Nigeria (VON), the representative of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), among others.