Investigative Reporters Association of Nigeria was founded in 2001 as an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of journalism in Nigeria in particular and Africa at large.
IRAN believes that vigorous, independent media are essential building blocks on which democracy, freedom and human rights must be based. The Association is committed to working with colleagues around the globe to: share journalistic, managerial and technical expertise; provide the latest information on media developments, journalism ethics and professional practices; offer support services relevant to changing needs; and encourage vital and independent media that are professionally, ethically and financially grounded.
SOURCE OF REVENUE
It expects more than 75 percent of its funding from sponsoring foundations and agencies in the form of program grants and fees for its services. IRAN's general operating supports expected to come exclusively from the private sector in the form of contributions from individuals, news organizations, corporations and foundations. The IRAN is an independent, non-profit institution.
CHARTING TOWARDS FREE PRESS
IRAN is committed to taking the power of the press to every corner of the world. Its workshops, seminars, fellowships and exchanges will cover basic and specialized reporting, news writing, editing, television and radio production, professional ethics, freedom of expression, computer-assisted reporting, business management and more.
OUR TRAINING STRATEGIES
IRAN's programs, developed by journalists for journalists, are driven by real needs, producing quality results, and remaining sensitive to different cultures. IRAN shares the best practices of the journalism profession in two primary ways:
IRAN intends to deploy top-rate journalists and managers overseas to train and consult. Because of its firm belief in real-world instruction, its programs incorporate hands-on activities, sending trainees into the field to implement new techniques, build sources and hone skills. IRAN also intends to bring overseas media professionals to Nigeria.
PARTNERSHIP
IRAN shall draw from a deep pool of journalists and media managers who serve as trainers, consultants, and experts in its programs. It shall also work in partnership with numerous news organizations, journalism schools, professional associations and media training centres within and outside Nigeria. These partners will host trainers and professional interns, help develop curricula, and offer in-kind contributions to IRAN’s overall mission.
As IRAN plans its course for the next 10 years, it will move boldly to develop innovative training projects and find fresh ways to strengthen independent media and fragile democracies.
A SUPPORT SYSTEM
IRAN supports enduring programs and strong follow-up activities, based on the firm belief that professional journalism programs should have lasting impact. To this end, it shall regularly provide online teaching through e-mail discussion groups after on-site training programs are completed. Online tutors offer valuable advice, critiques and professional guidance to program participants once they are back on the job and facing everyday challenges.
In addition, the its trainer-training programs will enable local journalists to continue to share skills long after trainers have departed.
IRAN shall also operate an international journalists' network, an online source for media assistance news, professional training opportunities, tip sheets, codes of ethics and media laws. The network will connect journalists from many nations through weekly e-mail press release, by briefing visiting journalists, and by maintaining close ties with many colleagues around the world, both journalists and media assistance professionals.
TOOLS FOR PROGRESS
To address the serious lack of training materials in the developing world, particularly Nigeria, IRAN produces affordable media training manuals and videos in many languages. These resources will empower journalists, providing relevant real-world, region-specific examples and realistic solutions for media professionals.
For decades, people around the world have seen or heard news of global events all together, from political and economic scandals to wars and natural disasters. But commercial demands of the news industry have often meant that such information is brief, disjointed, and confusing in the larger context, and therefore seemingly less relevant to people.
THE FIVE Ws AND ONE H OF IRAN
WHO: Investigative Reporters Association of Nigeria.
WHAT: A working network of Nigeria’s leading investigative reporters.
WHERE: Based in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory
WHEN: Launched in July 2001.
WHY: To conduct investigative reporting projects across the country on the premise that an enlightened populace is an empowered one.
HOW: By identifying investigative reporters of colour and linking them via the Internet, conferences and through an institutional support structure.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Many of society's major issues today cannot even be broached without addressing their global dimensions and context. How, for example, can public-interest journalists investigate and write comprehensively about international arms and drug trades, political corruption, financial fraud, or environmental degradation without information on these subjects from different parts of the world? How can journalists investigate political fund-raising scandals involving illegal foreign campaign contributions without on-the-ground reporting in those countries? When a fraudulent bank headquartered in one country operates in 73 others and controls billions in deposits, how can it be reported on - or regulated - at the nation-state level?
Too often, most of these kinds of significant but complicated issues are ignored as too complex or inaccessible because of insufficient time, expertise, or money to investigate them. Meanwhile, in many developing countries, investigative reporters are killed, threatened, or imprisoned with alarming regularity. Their employers who have compromised and connived with the corrupt officers sack some. Amazingly unbowed by these life-and-death realities, they are unable to communicate or collaborate with colleagues who may be doing similar work.
IRAN will showcase the best international investigative reporting and seek to be a model for detailed, well-documented research in the broadest public interest of the Nigerian citizens.
We strongly believe that the presence of an effective networking mechanism for investigative reporters will lead to a better-informed populace, as well as an enhanced civil society and greater accountability among governments worldwide.
We are always on the lookout for Nigeria’s most outstanding investigative reporters. If you know of someone who should be considered for membership, please contact the following:
1. Seyi Oduyela
Coordinator/CEO:
seyioduyela@yahoo.co.uk
2. Bolaji Adepegba
Executive Director
Boladepegba@yahoo.com
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