40 Years After, NGIJ To Host Annual Lecture To Honour Dele Giwa
…Guild demands justice for slain investigative journalist
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has paid tribute to the late veteran journalist, Dele Giwa, on the 40th anniversary of his assassination, describing his death as a defining moment in Nigeria’s struggle for press freedom, accountability and democratic governance.
Giwa, co-founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine, was killed by a parcel bomb delivered to his Lagos residence on October 19, 1986, during the military era. Forty years after the incident, his assassination remains unresolved, with no one held accountable for the murder.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NGIJ President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, described Giwa as a symbol of journalistic courage whose commitment to fearless reporting helped shape investigative journalism in Nigeria.
The Guild said Giwa’s legacy transcends his professional achievements, embodying journalism’s responsibility to question authority, expose wrongdoing, defend the public interest and hold those in power accountable.
“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.
NGIJ therefore announced plans to establish the Dele Giwa Annual Public Lecture on Investigative Journalism, which will be the Guild’s maiden public lecture.
According to the statement, the initiative will provide a platform for journalists, media executives, policymakers, academics, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to discuss press freedom, investigative reporting, democratic accountability and the safety of journalists.
Beyond commemorating Giwa, the annual lecture is intended to promote professional independence, courage, accuracy and ethical responsibility while exploring practical solutions to the challenges confronting investigative journalism in Nigeria.
“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.
NGIJ called on the Federal Government to immortalise Giwa in recognition of his contributions to Nigerian journalism, democratic accountability and the public’s right to information.
The Guild urged the government to consider naming a public institution, national journalism centre, media research facility or another appropriate national monument after the late journalist.
It said 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.
The umbrella body for Investigative Journalists operating in Nigeria urged the Federal Government, law enforcement agencies and relevant judicial authorities to renew efforts to establish the circumstances of his death, review available evidence and pursue credible investigative leads in accordance with the law.