NGIJ Honours Dele Giwa At 40, Announces Annual Lecture, Urges FG To Immortalise Journalism Icon

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The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists, NGIJ, has paid tribute to late veteran journalist, Dele Giwa, on the 40th anniversary of his assassination, describing his death as defining moment in Nigeria’s struggle for press freedom, accountability and democratic governance.

The tribute was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by NGIJ President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and Guild’s Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa.

Giwa, co-founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine, was killed by parcel bomb delivered to his Lagos residence on October 19, 1986, during military era. Forty years after incident, his assassination remains unresolved, with no one held accountable.

Dele Giwa Symbol Of Journalistic Courage — NGIJ

“Forty years after Dele Giwa was murdered, Nigeria must not allow his sacrifice to fade into history. His life represented the courage to investigate the powerful and defend the public’s right to know. His death remains a painful reminder of the price journalists can pay for pursuing the truth,” NGIJ stated.

The Guild said Giwa’s legacy transcends his professional achievements, embodying journalism’s responsibility to question authority, expose wrongdoing, defend public interest and hold those in power accountable.

Dele Giwa Annual Public Lecture On Investigative Journalism Announced

As part of efforts to preserve Giwa’s legacy and strengthen investigative journalism, NGIJ announced plans to establish the Dele Giwa Annual Public Lecture on Investigative Journalism, which will be the Guild’s maiden public lecture.

The initiative will provide platform for journalists, media executives, policymakers, academics, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to discuss press freedom, investigative reporting, democratic accountability and safety of journalists.

“We do not want Dele Giwa to be remembered only through anniversary tributes. We want his name to become a permanent institution in advancing investigative journalism in Nigeria,” the Guild declared.

Beyond commemorating Giwa, annual lecture is intended to promote professional independence, courage, accuracy and ethical responsibility while exploring practical solutions to challenges confronting investigative journalism in Nigeria.

Immortalise Journalism Icon, NGIJ Urges FG

NGIJ called on Federal Government to immortalise Giwa in recognition of his contributions to Nigerian journalism, democratic accountability and public’s right to information.

The Guild urged government to consider naming public institution, national journalism centre, media research facility or another appropriate national monument after late journalist.

“Such recognition would affirm the vital role of journalists in nation-building and inspire younger generations to embrace courage, integrity and service to the public interest,” NGIJ said.

Four Decades Without Accountability Must Not Become Symbol Of Impunity

While celebrating Giwa’s contributions, Guild expressed concern that circumstances surrounding his assassination remain unresolved four decades later.

It called on Federal Government, law enforcement agencies and relevant judicial authorities to renew efforts to establish circumstances of his death, review available evidence and pursue credible investigative leads in accordance with law.

“A nation cannot adequately honour a journalist who died in the pursuit of truth while allowing the questions surrounding his murder to remain unanswered. Remembrance must be accompanied by action, and tributes must translate into a renewed commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of journalists,” the Guild said.
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“Dele Giwa may have been silenced 40 years ago, but the ideals he represented must never be silenced.

His legacy must live on in every journalist who dares to investigate, every report that exposes wrongdoing, every institution held accountable and every citizen empowered by the truth,” NGIJ concluded.

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