By Clara Mlano
North Eastern University (NEU) in Gombe, Nigeria, has honoured Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas by naming its state-of-the-art multimedia studio after him.
The Anas Aremeyaw Anas Multimedia Studio was unveiled during an international conference on investigative journalism trends in Northern Nigeria, co-organized by WikkiTimes, NEU, and the Tiger Eye Foundation Ghana.
The ultramodern studio is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, seamlessly merging creativity and technology. Key features include:
- Advanced audio and video production zones with professional equipment
- Graphics, animation, and photography sections with high-performance computers and DSLR setups
- Live streaming and virtual reality labs for immersive content creation
- Motion graphics tools with motion capture technology for digital storytelling
- With robust storage and backup solutions, ergonomic workspaces, and top-notch equipment, the Anas Aremeyaw Anas Multimedia Studio is poised to become a hub for multimedia innovation in Gombe.
Anas Calls for a New Generation of Fearless Journalists
The 2015 GJA Journalist of the Year, whose groundbreaking investigative work has earned him global acclaim, joined a host of professors and vice-chancellors to formally open the facility. Anas expressed deep gratitude for the honour and emphasized the importance of fearless journalism.
“I hope to see, in the coming years, courageous journalists whose work will stand the test of time and shine a light on corruption in our society,” Anas said.
He stressed that journalism must serve the public good.
“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,” he stated.
Speaking to aspiring journalists, Anas acknowledged the challenges of the profession.
“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,” he remarked.
NEU Founder Commends Anas’ Impact
Dr. Sani Jauro, Pro-Chancellor and Founder of North Eastern University, Gombe, expressed his delight in naming the multimedia studio after Anas.
“I’ve closely followed Anas’ exceptional work, and I knew that naming this studio after him would mark the beginning of great things to come,” Dr. Jauro said. “NEU is honoured to recognize your remarkable sacrifice to humanity.”
Investigative Journalism in Northern Nigeria
Earlier, WikkiTimes Co-Publisher Ajibola Amzat revealed that since its debut in 2018, WikkiTimes has faced numerous challenges, including seven lawsuits, but remains steadfast in its mission to expose corruption and hold power to account.
“We founded WikkiTimes to bring about change in Northern Nigeria,” Amzat said. “Despite legal battles and threats, we continue to hold power accountable. I call on stakeholders and the academic community to support our efforts to ensure transparency and good governance.”
Haruna Mohammed, also a co-publisher of WikkiTimes, stated in an interview that the newspaper aims to train and produce Nigeria’s finest investigative journalists.
“We are committed to nurturing fearless journalists who will hold power to account and promote developmental journalism,” he added.
Renowned media scholar Professor Umaru Pate, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Kashere, emphasized the need for a new generation of fearless journalists to confront Nigeria’s corruption crisis. He praised the naming of the studio after Anas as a significant step toward motivating students.
He highlighted corruption across various sectors, including education, agriculture, politics, and environmental exploitation, calling for collective efforts to address these issues.
“Corruption is a multifaceted problem that hinders our nation’s progress,” Pate said. “We must retrace our steps and change the way we operate if we are to overcome these challenges.”
Role of Investigative Journalism in Addressing Regional Challenges
Dr. Hamid Adamu Mohammed, Dean of the School of Communication, Management, and Social Sciences at NEU, underscored the importance of investigative journalism in tackling challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
“The North is grappling with numerous issues that require in-depth investigative reporting,” Dr. Hamid said. “Most investigations focus on government corruption, but other critical areas—such as the activities of clerics and traditional institutions—remain underreported.”
He emphasized the importance of using local languages in investigative journalism, as it significantly enhances audience engagement and ensures that critical stories resonate deeply with the people.
Victoria Bamas, Editor at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), stressed the importance of gender mainstreaming in newsrooms, noting that women’s issues often receive inadequate coverage.
Anas Honoured by NEU Chancellor
At a separate event, the Chancellor of North Eastern University, Gombe, His Royal Highness Alh. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, graciously hosted Anas Aremeyaw Anas at his palace. The Chancellor commended Anas for his groundbreaking investigations across Africa, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the field of journalism.
In response, Anas expressed his gratitude to the Chancellor for the honour bestowed upon him.
