The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the future of independent media and promoting human rights reporting, as it joined media stakeholders in Abuja for the launch of CHRICED’s “Make It Count” initiative.
The one-day stakeholders’ meeting, held on June 24, 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat Resource Centre, Durumi, was convened by CHRICED Radio and TV in partnership with Weltfilme, Germany, with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Representing the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, Mr. Kenneth Olajide delivered a goodwill message in which he stressed the critical role of ethical storytelling and independent journalism in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, particularly as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.
Olajide said the Council’s longstanding advocacy for press freedom, journalist welfare and responsible journalism aligns with the objectives of the “Make It Count” project, describing the initiative as a timely intervention to reinforce rights-based reporting and media accountability.
In his address, CHRICED Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the project was designed to address growing threats to civic space, including the intimidation of journalists, attacks on press freedom and the spread of misinformation.
According to him, the initiative will empower grassroots media practitioners with the skills and tools required to produce ethical, human rights-focused multimedia content that promotes civic participation, social inclusion and democratic development.
Also speaking at the event, Weltfilme Project Team Lead, Mrs. Julia Krojer, alongside the National Human Rights Commission representative, Fatimah A. Mohammed, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting independent and community media as essential platforms for amplifying marginalized voices and advancing truth, justice and human dignity.
Disability rights advocates and other civil society organisations also called for a more inclusive, rights-centred media landscape capable of giving voice to vulnerable and underrepresented communities.
The NUJ FCT Council said its participation in the initiative reflects its determination to strengthen partnerships with CHRICED, Weltfilme and other stakeholders in promoting ethical journalism, defending press freedom and building a resilient media ecosystem that supports credible human rights reporting in Nigeria.
