From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), a non-governmental and social enterprise organization, has strengthened its partnership with the media to promote accountability and justice in the public governance spaces, as well as other issues affecting press freedom in Nigeria.
The organization said it’s concerned with the poor level of accountability in the public governance system despite several efforts to promote that including the application of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), hence the decision to strengthen its partnership with the media to amplify the campaign for more transparency and accountability in the management of the public governance system.
Munachi Okoro, Head of Communications and
Knowledge Management, PPDC, who spoke at a maiden media parley in Abuja, stressed the need for opportunity for such discourse on ways the PPDC can collaborate, forge and straighten partnership with the media to promote programmes and interventions that are beneficial to the citizens.
She said the media parly which focused on “exploring critical issues and fostering collaboration in the media landscape” was intended to bring together influential voices from the media to address several pressing issues affecting journalism and media freedom in Nigeria.
She added: “It’s also an opportunity to addressed recent challenges including the alarming increase in intimidation and arrest of journalists in the cause of their lawful duties.”
PPDC Chief Executive Officer, Jubril Shittu, in his submissions, explained that PPDC had over the past 20 years played critical roles in social enterprise services driven by the desire to have a more transparent and accountable government, and to increase citizens’ participation in governance processes.
He added: “Our programmes have been designed to promote values and initiatives that drive institutional, behavioural, and systemic change in our society. Sadly, the media being the fourth estate of the realm and a critical part of the society has not been treated well.
“Evidently, the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability is
more critical than ever. Events like this underscore our commitment to empowering journalists and defending media freedom globally.
“PPDC stands in solidarity with journalists and media organizations facing threats and censorship, hence it’s imperative for the government to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists who risk their lives to uncover the truth and promote good governance in the society.”
He told journalists that several PPDC’s initiatives are focused on leveraging technology and citizen engagement to promote transparency, accountability, and civic participation in governance. “We constantly advocates for policy reforms and collaborate with civil society, media, and government stakeholders to foster a more open and just society,” he added.
The media parley also featured a panel discussion titled “Unwavering in the Face of Censorship: The power of Resilient Reporting,” which highlighted the challenges journalists face and strategies to uphold journalistic integrity despite censorship pressures.
The panel included distinguished speakers who shared their experiences and insights on navigating hostile environments to report truthfully. The discussions emphasized the crucial role of media organizations in safeguarding journalists and fostering a climate of transparency and accountability within the industry.
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