NUJ FCT backs CHRICED’s ‘Make It Count’ Initiative, highlights future of independent media

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting independent journalism and promoting human rights reporting as it joined key stakeholders in Abuja for the launch of CHRICED’s “Make It Count” initiative.

The stakeholders’ meeting, held on June 24, 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat Resource Centre in Durumi, Abuja, was organised by Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education through its CHRICED Radio and TV platform in partnership with Weltfilme and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Representing the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, Mr. Kenneth Olajide emphasised the importance of ethical storytelling and independent journalism in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, particularly as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.

He noted that the Council’s long-standing advocacy for press freedom, journalist welfare and responsible reporting aligns with the objectives of the “Make It Count” project, describing the initiative as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening rights-based journalism.

Executive Director of CHRICED, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the project was designed to address growing concerns over shrinking civic space, attacks on journalists and the spread of misinformation, all of which pose serious threats to democratic accountability and independent media.

According to him, the initiative will provide grassroots media practitioners with the skills and resources needed to produce ethical, human rights-focused multimedia content that encourages civic participation and inclusive development.

Representatives of partner organisations, including Weltfilme Project Team Lead, Julia Krojer, and the National Human Rights Commission, represented by Fatimah A. Mohammed, also reiterated their commitment to supporting independent and community media as essential platforms for amplifying marginalised voices and promoting justice, truth and human dignity.

Civil society groups and disability rights advocates at the event further stressed the need for a media landscape that remains inclusive, accessible and firmly rooted in the protection of human rights.

The NUJ FCT Council said the engagement reinforces its resolve to work closely with CHRICED, Weltfilme and other partners to strengthen ethical journalism, defend press freedom and contribute to building a resilient media environment capable of sustaining credible human rights reporting in Nigeria.

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