Ghana’s renowned undercover journalist and lawyer, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, has been honoured by North-Eastern University (NEU) Gombe in a grand ceremony.
The university named its newly built, ultramodern multimedia studio after Anas during a one-day International Conference on Trends in Investigative Journalism in Northern Nigeria, jointly organized by WikkiTimes, NEU, and the Tiger Eye Foundation Ghana.
The Anas Aremeyaw Anas Multimedia Studio is a state-of-the-art facility that seamlessly integrates creativity and technology. It features advanced audio and video production zones, equipped with professional recording equipment, cameras, and green screens. The graphics, animation, and photography sections house high-performance computers and DSLR setups, while live streaming and virtual reality labs enable immersive content creation. Additionally, the studio includes motion graphics tools with motion capture technology for digital storytelling, secure storage and backup solutions, and ergonomic workspaces, making it a hub for multimedia innovation in Gombe.
Anas, whose groundbreaking investigative work has earned him global recognition, joined professors and vice-chancellors to commission the facility. He described the honor as a significant step in inspiring a new generation of fearless journalists.
“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.
In his keynote speech, Anas emphasized 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.“
The Pro-Chancellor and Founder of North-Eastern University, Dr. Sani Jauro, also known as Danlawal Gombe, expressed his delight in naming the studio after Anas.
“I have personally followed the great work of Anas, and when the decision was made to name this all-important studio after him, I knew it was the beginning of great things to come. NEU is proud to honor you for your great sacrifice to humanity,” he said.
WikkiTimes’ Fight for Press Freedom
Earlier, WikkiTimes Co-Publisher Ajibola Amzat revealed that since its founding in 2018, WikkiTimes has faced numerous challenges, including seven lawsuits, but remains steadfast in its mission to expose corruption and hold those in power accountable.
“We founded WikkiTimes to bring about change in Northern Nigeria,” Amzat said. “Despite legal battles and threats, we continue to fight for transparency and good governance. I call on stakeholders and the academic community to support our efforts.”
Haruna Mohammed, also a co-publisher of WikkiTimes, stated that the newspaper is dedicated to training and producing Nigeria’s finest investigative journalists.
“We are committed to nurturing fearless journalists who will hold power to account and promote developmental journalism.“
Calls for Stronger Investigative Journalism
Renowned media scholar Professor Umaru Pate, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Kashere, stressed the need for a new generation of fearless journalists to confront Nigeria’s corruption crisis. He commended NEU for naming the studio after Anas, calling it a major step toward motivating students.
Highlighting corruption across sectors such as education, agriculture, politics, and environmental exploitation, he urged collective efforts to combat 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.”
Dr. Hamid Adamu Mohammed, Dean of the School of Communication, Management, and Social Sciences at NEU, emphasized the importance of investigative journalism in addressing Northern Nigeria’s challenges.
“The North is grappling with numerous issues that require in-depth investigative reporting. Most investigations focus on government corruption, but other critical areas—such as the activities of clerics and traditional institutions—remain underreported.”
He also advocated for the use of local languages in investigative journalism to increase audience engagement and ensure that crucial stories resonate with the people.
Victoria Bamas, Editor at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), highlighted the need for gender mainstreaming in newsrooms. She pointed out that women’s issues are often underreported and called for greater representation of female journalists.
“Women’s voices are often marginalized in our societies,” Bamas said. “We need to amplify these voices and strive for gender balance in newsrooms to ensure all perspectives are represented.”
Anas Thanks Emir of Gombe for Honor
The Chancellor of North-Eastern University, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, Chairman of the Council of Chiefs and Emirs, hosted Anas Aremeyaw Anas following his keynote address at the conference.
The conference brought together leading voices in journalism to discuss the evolving role of investigative reporting in fostering accountability and development.
During his visit, Anas was warmly received by the Emir of Gombe at his palace. The Emir praised NEU for its commitment to academic excellence and community development, noting that the university offers practical, career-driven courses that equip students with essential skills.
“North-Eastern University, Gombe, is a source of pride to Gombe and a catalyst for growth and innovation,” the Emir remarked.
Following their discussion, the Emir gave Anas a tour of the royal stables, showcasing Gombe’s rich cultural heritage through its magnificent horses.
Anas commended the Emir’s visionary leadership and the university’s impact, calling the visit both enlightening and inspiring. He also pledged to support the advancement of journalism in Gombe.
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