NUJ FCT, Stakeholders Rally Support for Independent Media at Launch of CHRICED’s ‘Make It Count’ Initiative

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has reiterated the need to strengthen independent media and protect civic space as stakeholders gathered in Abuja for the launch of the “Make It Count” initiative aimed at promoting ethical, rights-based journalism and democratic accountability.

The one-day stakeholders’ meeting, held on June 24, 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat Resource Centre, Durumi, was organised by CHRICED Radio and TV in partnership with Weltfilme, Germany, and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Representing the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, Mr. Kenneth Olajide said the initiative comes at a critical period when independent journalism faces increasing threats from misinformation, shrinking civic space and attacks on press freedom.

Olajide, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Council, stressed that ethical storytelling and professional journalism remain indispensable tools for promoting transparency, accountability and democratic participation.

He noted that as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, journalists must continue to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness and public interest reporting.

According to him, the objectives of the “Make It Count” project align with the NUJ FCT Council’s commitment to defending press freedom, enhancing journalists’ capacity and promoting responsible journalism that gives voice to vulnerable and marginalised communities.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the initiative was designed to address growing concerns over intimidation of journalists, misinformation and declining civic engagement.

He explained that the project seeks to empower grassroots media practitioners with the skills and tools needed to produce human rights-focused multimedia content that encourages citizen participation and inclusive development.

“The goal is to strengthen ethical reporting and ensure that media practitioners are equipped to tell stories that promote human rights, accountability and social justice,” Zikirullahi said.

Also speaking, Weltfilme Project Team Lead, Mrs. Julia Krojer, reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to supporting independent and community media, describing them as essential platforms for amplifying underrepresented voices and strengthening democratic values.

Representing the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Fatimah A. Mohammed emphasised the crucial role of the media in advancing truth, justice and human dignity, while urging journalists to remain committed to rights-centred reporting.

Civil society organisations, disability rights advocates and other stakeholders at the meeting also called for a more inclusive media environment that reflects the realities and concerns of all segments of society.

The stakeholders stressed that collaboration between journalists, civil society groups and development partners remains essential to safeguarding democratic freedoms and ensuring that citizens have access to credible and independent information.

For the NUJ FCT Council, the engagement reaffirmed its resolve to work closely with CHRICED, Weltfilme and other partners in promoting ethical journalism, defending media freedom and building a resilient information ecosystem capable of sustaining human rights reporting in Nigeria.

Participants agreed that strengthening independent media is vital to protecting democracy, holding institutions accountable and ensuring that citizens’ voices continue to be heard in governance processes.