The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting independent media and promoting human rights reporting, backing the launch of CHRICED’s “Make It Count” initiative in Abuja.
The initiative was unveiled during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by CHRICED Radio and TV in partnership with Germany-based Weltfilme and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Representing the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, at the event, Mr Kenneth Olajide said ethical storytelling and independent journalism remain critical to Nigeria’s democratic development, particularly as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.
He said the union’s advocacy for press freedom and journalists’ welfare aligns with the objectives of the project, describing the initiative as a timely intervention to strengthen rights-based reporting.
“Ethical storytelling and independent journalism are central to Nigeria’s democratic future,” Mr Olajide said, adding that the project would help reinforce credible and responsible reporting.
Speaking at the event, CHRICED Executive Director, Dr Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the initiative was designed to address challenges facing the media, including shrinking civic space, intimidation of journalists and the spread of misinformation.
According to him, the project will provide grassroots media practitioners with the skills and tools needed to produce ethical, human rights-focused multimedia content that encourages civic participation and inclusive development.
“The project seeks to empower media actors to tell impactful stories that promote accountability, human rights and democratic values,” Dr Zikirullahi said.
Partners at the meeting also stressed the importance of independent and community media in amplifying marginalised voices. Weltfilme Project Team Lead, Mrs Julia Krojer, and a representative of the National Human Rights Commission, Fatimah A. Mohammed, pledged continued support for initiatives that advance truth, justice and human dignity.
Civil society groups and disability advocates also called for a more inclusive and rights-centred media environment.
The NUJ FCT Council said it would continue to work with CHRICED, Weltfilme and other stakeholders to strengthen ethical journalism, defend press freedom and support a resilient media landscape capable of sustaining human rights reporting in Nigeria.
