NUJ FCT Backs CHRICED’s ‘Make It Count’ Initiative, Calls for Stronger Protection of Independent Media

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting independent media and advancing human rights reporting, throwing its weight behind CHRICED’s “Make It Count” initiative aimed at strengthening ethical journalism and civic engagement in Nigeria.

The commitment was reiterated during a one-day stakeholders’ meeting held on June 24, 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat Resource Centre in Durumi, Abuja. The event 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, at the event, Mr. Kenneth Olajide said independent journalism remains a critical pillar of democratic governance and accountability, particularly as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Council, Olajide stressed the importance of ethical storytelling, fact-based reporting and the protection of press freedom in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting citizens’ participation in governance.

He noted that the objectives of the “Make It Count” project align closely with the NUJ FCT Council’s longstanding advocacy for media freedom, professional journalism and the welfare of media practitioners.

According to him, the initiative comes at a crucial time when journalists and media organisations are increasingly confronted with challenges ranging from misinformation and disinformation to threats against press freedom and shrinking civic space.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the project was designed to address growing concerns over attacks on independent media, intimidation of journalists and declining public trust in information ecosystems.

Zikirullahi explained that the programme would provide grassroots media actors with the skills, tools and knowledge required to produce ethical, rights-based multimedia content capable of promoting civic engagement, social inclusion and democratic accountability.

“The project seeks to empower journalists and community media practitioners to tell impactful stories that amplify citizens’ voices and advance human rights, transparency and inclusive development,” he said.

Also speaking, Weltfilme Project Team Lead, Mrs. Julia Krojer, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting independent and community media as critical platforms for strengthening democratic participation and social justice.

Representatives of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), including Fatimah A. Mohammed, as well as disability rights advocates and civil society organisations, echoed the need for a more inclusive media environment that prioritises human dignity, equity and the voices of marginalised communities.

Participants at the meeting highlighted the growing importance of collaborative efforts among media organisations, civil society groups and development partners in safeguarding civic space and promoting responsible journalism.

For the NUJ FCT Council, the engagement underscored its resolve to deepen partnerships with CHRICED, Weltfilme and other stakeholders to promote ethical journalism, defend press freedom and strengthen a resilient media ecosystem capable of sustaining quality human rights reporting across Nigeria.

The Council maintained that a vibrant and independent media remains indispensable to democratic development, accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights.