A faith-based media NGO — Journalists For Christ (JFC) International Outreach, in partnership with World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and the Bread for the World (German Protestant Agency for Diaconia Development), have launched a project aimed at bringing to the limelight for institutional attention, the rights and welfare issues faced by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.
According to the President of JFC, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, “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.”
Otufodunrin, former Online Editor and Director, Special Publications at The Nation Newspaper stated further that “The project will run from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.”
Otufodunrin, in a statement, also said the project would 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 on 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,” he added.
He further stated that, “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.”
“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,” he stated.
He also said, “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.”
