Daily Trust, MacArthur Foundation Train Northeast Journalists on Budget Tracking
In order to improve budget tracking by journalists and investigate journalism, the Nigeria Daily Trust, MAcArthur Foundation has begun training journalists in six North-East states in Gombe State.
The project, funded by the MacArthur Foundation, aims to equip journalists with processes involved in budget tracking and investigating journalism for accountability.
Speaking at the training, the chairman of the Daily Trust Foundation, Bilya Bala, gave a brief explanation of how the Daily Trust medium came into existence and its vision to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.
The chairman was optimistic that the training on budget and investigation would equip the journalists with the knowledge of data mining and analysis to hold sub-nationals accountable and bring good governance to the doorsteps of the masses.
”I am afraid that today, journalists only listen to what the government says and never care to go beneath the issue, that is, investigating and tracking down government expenditure in both capital and recurring.
We want journalists to be aware of this part of their responsibility and do it honestly by tracking down all the government expenditures and reporting back to the masses, bringing to light evidence of projects executed by the government and deficits.
Commending Daily Trust and MacArthur Foundations, Mijinyawa Tilde, Gombe State Commissioner of Information and Culture, says the issue of budget tracking is a key component of good governance.
Also speaking, Gombe State Commissioner for Information, Mijiyawa Ardo Tilde, has said that journalism plays a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
“In a democracy like ours, the ability of the press to scrutinise public expenditure and track budget implementation is not just a right but a responsibility.
“Through diligent reporting, journalists can shed light on the workings of government, highlight areas of concern, and foster an informed citizenry. This, in turn, will strengthen our democratic institutions and promote good governance.
He applauds the Daily Trust Foundation and indeed the Media Trust Management for choosing Gombe to host training sessions for journalists in the North-East geopolitical zone.
He added Governor Yahaya has been an advocate of transparency and good governance since the inception of his administration. We have made significant strides in creating a conducive environment for business and governance.
“As you commence this workshop, I encourage you to engage fully and leverage the knowledge shared here to improve your reporting skills. Your role as journalists in tracking and investigating public expenditure is crucial to ensuring that our leaders remain accountable and that resources are used for the betterment of all Nigerians.
“For us in Gombe State, we will continue to run a transparent budgetary process and expenditure as Gombe moves to remain a reference point for transparency and good governance in Nigeria.
