Speaking at a conference on trends in investigative journalism in Northern Nigeria held at North Eastern University (NEU) Gombe State, Anas also said there is need for investigative journalism to address anomalies.
To him, “I hope to see, in the coming years, courageous journalists whose work will stand the test of time and shine a light on corruption.
“There is no point in doing journalism if it does not benefit society. Our investigative journalism should be tailored toward uplifting communities and fostering development. If we fail to do this, then we have failed as journalists.”
Advising aspiring journalists, he stated, “you have to psyche yourself. It’s like a heated kitchen—if you don’t have the energy to stand the heat, you get out.”
Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Umaru Pate, called on journalists to understand and confront current and future challenges in order to build a society transparency, accountability and integrity are upheld.
The don stressed the need to join strong movements against corruption and human rights abuses and other anti-social behaviours.
To him, journalists in the North should organize to fight greed in governance; unwholesome secrecy; violence; environmental degradation and negative behavioural tendencies.
Saying there is need to embrace technology like AI, he also stressed the need to teach and adopt critical thinking.
In conclusion, he canvassed mobilising society to defend defenders like journalists, enforcement operatives and civil society organisations.
The university authority also named a multimedia studio after Anas.
The Pro-Chancellor and founder of North-Eastern University, Sani Jauro described Anas as a great journalist.
He observed, “I have personally followed the great work of Anas, and when the decision was made to name this all-important studio after him, I knew it was the beginning of great things to come. NEU is proud to honor you for your great sacrifice to humanity.”
Anas, whose groundbreaking investigative work has earned him global recognition, joined scholars and Vice-Chancellors to commission the facility.
