Kole Shettima

 

The  MacArthur Foundation Director in Nigeria,  Dr. Kole Shettima, has expressed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting journalism, especially investigative journalism, that will positively impact the society.

 

 

Shettima, who gave the assurance at a recent  virtual AFF IMPACT SERIES Programme, organized by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation,  stated that for the media to maintain its independence, at these trying economic times,  it has become imperative for organizations, especially not for profit ones, to give the practice  their unflinching support.

 

 

He noted that the nation’s  media space is presently witnessing a dearth of investigative journalism efforts, due to the enormous financial costs attached to such tasks, and the lack of financial wherewithal of media organisations to foot such bills.

 

 

Shettima stated that the Foundation, in its own little way, has continued to intervene in those areas, by providing grants for credible media organisations, to enable them perform such task, without compromising their principles, independence and ethics of the profession.

 

 

The Founder, AFF and  organiser of the event, Mr. Akin Fadeyi, explained that the Impact Series with Kole Shettima  was put together not only to celebrate the anti-corruption investor, but to create a forum for members of the media, and the civil society to engage, evaluate and give advice where necessary on good governance and fight against corruption.

 

 

Also speaking at the event, Publisher of The Cable Online, Simon Kolawole,  commended  Shettima’s contribution to the advancement  of press freedom and media development, citing the various leadership qualities in Dr. Shettima which all leaders who wish to succeed must imbibe.

 

 

Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, in his contribution, described Shettima as one of the few individuals the media industry should appreciate for the growth and development of investigative journalism and media in general in this modern age.

 

 

Describing Shettima as a hero, Media Enterpreneur and TV host, Kadaria Ahmed noted that his efforts have enabled the media to speak truth to power.

 

 

Former First,  Ekiti State, Erelu Fayemi, described  Shettima as a brother and friend, who has contributed immensely towards making leaders accountable to their citizens.

 

 

While commending AFF for organizing such event in honour of the social investor,  Erelu therefore charged others, especially the participants, to inculcate the habit of celebrating their loved ones while still alive.

 

 

“Dr. Shettima is one man who has created  a way to make Nigerian leaders accountable despite challenges associated with such endeavour,” she stated.

 

Others, who extolled Shettima’s virtues, and the various ways the MacArthur Foundation has positively impacted their sectors, comprised  Demola Bakare of the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC);  Tom Okewale Sonaiya; Rev. George  Ehusani of Luth Sera Leadership Foundation; and a host of others.