JFC/WACC Partner To Advance Rights And Welfare Of IDPs In Nigeria

With the support of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and the Bread for the World (German Protestant Agency for Diaconia Development), Nigerian faith-based media organisation, Journalists For Christ International Outreach has announced the launch of a new project aimed at bringing to limelight for institutional attention, the rights and welfare issues faced by Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Nigeria.

Explaining the project in a press release, President of the organisation, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin said, “The project entitled, ‘Advancing the rights and welfare of IDPs through the media’ will help to consolidate our work in alleviating the pitiable living conditions of IDPs will run from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.”

Otufodunrin, former Editor Online and Director, Special Publications at The Nation newspaper, Lagos, added that, “The project will provide information on the trend in reportage of IDPs and training for journalists and writers on enhanced reporting of IDP issues.”

“A small team of journalists across the country will be commissioned to write special investigative reports on IDPs issues and engender stakeholders’ engagement; and conduct series of media-driven advocacy to advance the welfare of IDPs.

“Overall, the one-year project is expected to drive positive reportage of IDPs in the media and attract policy change to improve the welfare and rights of IDPs.

“The new project will build up two earlier projects; Monitoring Media Reportage and Portrayal of IDPs in Africa and Managing Internal Displacements in Nigeria supported by WACC and Otto Per Mille (Weldesian Church), Italy.

“As a media based organisation, we are among others, committed to advocating for the communication rights of all citizens, including many who are voiceless.

“Across the country, the population of IDPs is growing and there is need for more media focus on their plight.”