FriedRich Ebert Stiftung Nigeria, in collaboration with the Media Rights Agenda organized a two-day “Multi-Stakeholder’s Roundtable Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday the 28th & 29th of Nov 2023 at the Grand Cubana Hotel, jabi Abuja with the Theme: A Collective Responsibility for ensuring the safety of journalists in Nigeria” in attendance were panel session leaders and stakeholder organizational bodies to discuss the role of stakeholders in ensuring the Safety of journalists across the Nation.
The Nigerian Resident Representative of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung FES Lennart Oestergaard expressed in his Welcome remarks their interest as an organization, their keen commitment to support media advocacy and help stakeholders discharge their duties effectively. “FES is committed to the advancement of both socio-political and economic development in the spirit of social democracy, through civic education, research, and international cooperation. “
In his opening Speech, the Executive Director Media Rights Agenda, Mr. Edetaen Ojo reiterated that
FES has been promoting the values of the Social Democracy in Africa for over 40 years. They work for social justice, democracy and peace across regions including Nigeria.
Mr. Ojo also presented Sessions on: mechanisms on the safety of Journalists, and the UN plan of action on the safety of Journalists. Both papers sparked deep conversations and shared experiences among participants.
Session topics were centred around the status report of the safety of Journalists, Gender perspectives, mapping the role of stakeholders to ensure the safety of Journalists, overview of the African Media Barometer and more.
Other sessions were presented by Christopher Isiguzo the NUJ National President, Mrs Ivy Acka, Chief Public Affairs Officer Human Rights Commission, Benedicta Akpede Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Lanre Arogundade Executive Director International Press Centre, Angela Agoawike, CEO Omalicha Radio, Maureen Chigbo a media executive and President Guild of Coporate Online Publishers GOCOP.
Other Notary Government Official representatives, the National Human Rights Organiation, Security and law enforcement agencies, civil society groups, Nigerian media professionals bodies, International Media Advocacy groups, research and academic institutions were present to contribute to the robust conversations centred around the well being and safety of media personnels in the Country.
The meeting was a success and was concluded with a plan of action for building an alliance with policy makers on media freedom and safety of Journalists. A collective vote and decision was made, a committee was formed to look into various pointers of discussion and come up with a draft within a specified timeline.
Oizamsi Egwure Lewis reporting for Kukuruku Radio 105.9 FM Abuja.
