The International Centre for Investigative Reporting, ICIR on Tuesday 22nd July, 2014 announced the commencement of the grant giving component of the Nigeria Investigative Reporting Project, NIRP.

Several pitches were received proposing story ideas. However, so far, only five of them have been found to qualify for funding.

The five journalists and the investigative stories they would be working on are as listed below:

1. Jethro Ibileke – The Impact of The Destruction of Illegal Refineries In the Niger Delta on the Environment
2. Amina Lamido – The Devastating Effects of Lead Poisoning In Zamfara on Women and Children
3. Janet Faden – Mining and Ecological Damage in Plateau State
4. Prince Dickson – Boko Haram: The Cost of The War Against Terrorism
5. Abiose Adelaja – The Dilapidating State Of Primary Health Centres

In situations where participants needs help in shaping, reviewing or focusing their story ideas, they are free to consult with the three mentors on the project – Ugonma Cokey, Wale Fatade and Dayo Aiyetan who would be willing to offer assistance.

The grant giving part of the project is expected to last until April, 2015, giving participants opportunity to continue to pitch stories  for as long as funds are available.

Successful grantees will also have the benefit of being mentored by one of the three aforementioned mentors. However, mentors have the responsibility of providing professional assistance and are not be bothered for personal issues or matters outside the purview of the stories that participants are working on.