By Special Correspondent

In a groundbreaking exchange, eight Nigerian journalists embarked on a transformative journey to the Netherlands, uncovering the secrets behind the country’s renowned investigative journalism. Led by seasoned Dutch experts, they gained hands-on experience in cutting-edge reporting techniques, ethical journalism practices, and innovative storytelling approaches.

Through immersive workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and real-world projects, the Nigerian journalists learned to craft compelling investigations, navigate complex data, and hold power accountable. This experience enhanced their skills and sparked new ideas for driving change through journalism in Nigeria.

The Journalists also had detailed interaction with heads of the various departments at the Free Press Unlimited including those in charge of assisting investigative Journalists who run into trouble in the course of duty.

Also noteworthy is the discovery that the government of Netherlands set aside a whooping sum of 15 Million Euros yearly to promote Investigative Journalism which is accessible to their Media Houses on application.

One of the beneficiaries, an Assistant Director News with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Enugu National Station, Mrs Chinelo Phil-Opara reports that the team toured key places such as the Parliament at the Hague – de Groene Amsterdammer, a Magazine in Amsterdam known for its Investigative stories; Volkskrant, a leading Dutch Daily Newspaper known for Investigative stories and the World Press Photo Exhibition at Nieuwe Kerke, Amsterdam.

Other journalists who benefited include Victor Asowata, Kemi Busari, Samson Folarin, Sharon Ijasan, Aaron Atsahyel, Olukayode Jaiyeola and Lami Sadiq.

The Executive Director Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), Mrs Mutunrayo Alaka, speaking on the reason for the tour, said the center was focused on building a culture of investigative reporting in Nigeria since 2005 to encourage Journalists to demand for accountability in a democracy and rewarding such outstanding reports annually.

The 8 Journalists who are award winners of the WSCIJ visited the Netherlands under the sponsorship of the Wolesoyinka Center for Investigative Journalism, WSCIJ.

The one week intensive exposure was organized by a media training, non governmental organization based in the Netherlands – Free Press Unlimited, FPU, exploring how investigative journalism work in other clime.