CHRICED Unveils ‘Make It Count’ Project to Strengthen Independent Media, Human Rights Reporting in Nigeria

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening independent journalism, advancing human rights reporting, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities across Nigeria.

The project, known as “Make It Count,” was officially unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja by CHRICED’s Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Catholic Secretariat under the theme, “The Future of Independent Media and Human Rights Reporting in Nigeria.”

Addressing an audience comprising media practitioners, civil society organizations, government officials, development partners, and human rights advocates, Dr. Zikirullahi described the initiative as a transformative movement designed to defend democratic values and ensure that citizens play an active role in shaping governance and public accountability.

According to him, Nigeria is currently facing a critical period in its democratic journey, marked by increasing challenges confronting independent journalism and civic engagement.

He noted that journalists continue to face various forms of intimidation, while civic actors and human rights defenders operate under growing pressure. At the same time, many communities, particularly vulnerable groups, struggle to have their concerns reflected in public discourse and policymaking.

Despite these challenges, he said there are significant opportunities for democratic renewal, citing the rise of digital technology, increasing citizen participation, and growing public demand for transparency and accountability.

“We meet at a defining moment in our nation’s history,” Dr. Zikirullahi said. “Across Nigeria, the space for independent voices is shrinking. Yet, technology is amplifying citizen voices, young people are demanding transparency, and communities are insisting on dignity and inclusion.”

The CHRICED Executive Director emphasized that the Make It Count Project was conceived to harness these opportunities by empowering ordinary Nigerians to participate more actively in public life through storytelling, journalism, and civic engagement.

Empowering Citizen Reporters

Dr. Zikirullahi explained that the initiative, implemented in partnership with Germany-based media organization WELTFILME, seeks to nurture a new generation of citizen reporters and community-based storytellers capable of documenting local realities and holding institutions accountable.

The project will provide training opportunities, technological support, and collaborative platforms that will enable journalists and civic actors to investigate human rights violations, expose corruption, and tell stories that often go unnoticed in mainstream discourse.

He stressed that women, young people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups would be among the primary beneficiaries of the programme.

According to him, strengthening independent media is essential to protecting democracy and ensuring that governance remains responsive to the needs of citizens.

“Democracy cannot thrive without a free press. Human rights cannot be protected without fearless reporting, and sustainable development cannot occur without accountability,” he stated.

Stakeholders Key to Success

Dr. Zikirullahi underscored the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, noting that the success of the initiative would depend on partnerships involving media organizations, civil society groups, development agencies, and government institutions.

He described the stakeholders’ meeting as an opportunity to gather ideas, recommendations, and practical strategies that would guide the implementation of the project.

The CHRICED chief maintained that the initiative belongs not only to the organization but also to the broader community of actors committed to democratic governance, justice, and transparency.

“Our goal is to build a media and civic environment where truth is not silenced, journalists are protected, and every Nigerian has the power to make their voice count,” he said.

Tribute to Media and Human Rights Champions

The event also featured the participation of prominent labour leader, journalist, Pan-Africanist, and human rights advocate, Comrade Owei Lakemfa, whose presence Dr. Zikirullahi described as symbolic of the enduring struggle for justice, truth, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.

He commended Lakemfa and other advocates who have continued to champion freedom of expression and human rights despite numerous challenges.

International Support

Dr. Zikirullahi expressed profound appreciation to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for funding the initiative through WELTFILME e.V., Germany.

He said the support demonstrates the international community’s commitment to promoting democratic values, civic participation, and respect for human rights in Nigeria.

The CHRICED Executive Director also acknowledged the contributions of Ms. Fiona Klassen, Programme Director at WELTFILME, and members of her team for their commitment to the project.

Special recognition was given to Mrs. Julia Krojer, WELTFILME Project Team Lead in Nigeria, who worked closely with CHRICED from the conception of the initiative to its official launch.

He further commended Mr. Kolawole Omoniyi, Project Manager of Make It Count, and members of the implementation team for their efforts in organizing the event and laying the groundwork for the project’s success.

A Call to Action

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Zikirullahi called on journalists, civil society organizations, policymakers, development partners, and citizens to embrace the initiative and contribute to its success.

He urged stakeholders to think boldly, collaborate effectively, and take decisive action in defending media freedom and human rights.

The launch of the Make It Count Project marks a significant step in efforts to strengthen independent journalism and civic engagement in Nigeria at a time when concerns about media freedom, accountability, and democratic participation remain central to the country’s development discourse.

As the initiative begins implementation, stakeholders expressed optimism that it will create new opportunities for citizen participation, amplify underrepresented voices, and contribute to building a more transparent, inclusive, and democratic Nigeria.

“Together, let us make it count,” Dr. Zikirullahi declared, drawing applause from participants at the end of the ceremony.