NUJ FCT puts spotlight on future of independent media, backs CHRICED’s ‘make it count’ initiative

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

At the one-day stakeholders’ meeting held on June 24, 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat Resource Centre, Durumi, and convened by CHRICED Radio and TV in partnership with Weltfilme, Germany, with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), NUJ FCT Council was represented by Mr. Kenneth Olajide.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Council’s Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, Mr. Olajide underscored the centrality of ethical storytelling and independent journalism to Nigeria’s democratic future, especially as the country approaches another critical electoral cycle.

He aligned the Council’s long-standing advocacy for press freedom and journalist welfare with the objectives of the “Make It Count” project, describing it as a timely intervention to strengthen rights-based reporting.

CHRICED Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the project was conceived to respond to shrinking civic space, intimidation of journalists and the spread of misinformation, all of which endanger independent media and democratic accountability.

He explained that “Make It Count” will equip grassroots media actors with skills and tools to produce ethical, human rights–focused multimedia content that promotes civic engagement and inclusive development.

Partners, including Weltfilme’s Project Team Lead, Mrs. Julia Krojer, and the National Human Rights Commission, represented by Fatimah A. Mohammed, reiterated support for independent and community media as vital platforms for amplifying marginalised voices and advancing truth, justice and human dignity.

Disability advocates and other civil society actors also lent their voices, reinforcing the call for a media space that is both inclusive and rights-centred.

For NUJ FCT Council, the engagement further affirms its resolve to collaborate with CHRICED, Weltfilme and other partners to promote ethical journalism, defend press freedom and help build a more resilient media ecosystem that can sustain human rights reporting in Nigeria.