The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for stronger collaboration between the media and civil society organisations to protect Nigeria’s civic space and promote credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, made the call in Kano while declaring open a two-day Media and CSO Workshop on “Strengthening Media and CSOs for Electoral Integrity and Civic Space Protection in Nigeria.”
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The workshop, holding at the CHRICED Legacy House, Farawa, Kano, is aimed at strengthening the capacity of journalists and civil society actors to contribute effectively to electoral integrity, civic participation and accountability.
Zikirullahi said the need for the engagement was underscored by growing concerns over pressures on electoral integrity, shrinking civic space, disinformation, political violence and declining public trust in democratic processes.
He stressed the importance of equipping journalists and civil society organisations with the knowledge and strategies required to address emerging threats to democratic participation and protect citizens’ rights.
According to him, collaboration between the media and civil society is essential to ensuring that citizens have access to accurate information and are able to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
The CHRICED Executive Director urged participants to use the two-day engagement to examine challenges affecting Nigeria’s electoral system and develop practical strategies for strengthening civic space and democratic accountability.
He said the workshop would focus on issues including countering disinformation, ethical and courageous reporting, protection of civic space and strengthening collaboration between journalists and civil society organisations.
Zikirullahi emphasised that an informed citizenry was critical to a functioning democracy, noting that credible information and effective civic engagement could contribute to stronger democratic institutions.
He called on participants to bring their experiences and expertise to the discussions and ensure that the knowledge gained from the workshop translated into practical action within their respective organisations and communities.
The Executive Director also appreciated Misereor KZE, Germany, for its financial support towards the organisation of the workshop.
He commended the CHRICED Board of Directors for its guidance and expressed appreciation to the organisation’s staff, resource persons and facilitators for their contributions to the successful convening of the programme.
Zikirullahi urged participants to remain committed to promoting justice, accountability, citizens’ participation and democratic values, stressing that the protection of civic space was a collective responsibility.
He said stronger partnerships between the media and civil society would help amplify citizens’ voices, improve public awareness and contribute to a democratic environment where Nigerians could participate freely and responsibly.
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The workshop is expected to provide participants with practical knowledge and strategies for promoting electoral integrity, countering misinformation and disinformation, strengthening civic participation and protecting democratic freedoms ahead of future electoral processes in Nigeria.