The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) with support from the United States Embassy has called for effective collaboration between the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) for promoting democratic governance in Nigeria.
The executive director, ICIR, Dayo Aiyetan, made the call at a media-civil society meeting with the theme; ‘Strengthening Collaboration with CSOs and Media for Promoting Democratic Governance’.
The executive director said there was need for CSOs to partner the media in order to get results.
“Journalists and CSOs must work together to achieve our common goal of promoting democratic governance in Nigeria,” he said.
He said the media and activists should hold government accountable, adding that it is the citizens’ right to participate in the democratic process.
“The media has huge influence on the government, as CSOs, let the media be part of your advocacy. Build a good relationship with the media to make positive change in society,” he said.
The social media officer in ICIR, Blessing Otoibhi, who spoke on ‘Understanding Social Media as a Key Advocacy Tool’, urged participants to use social media to campaign for positive change in society.
A participant, Dajuma Martins Dangwa Abbas, said CSOs and the media are collaborating in Kaduna State, adding that the media practitioners are part of their advocacy.
Ishaku also urged CSOs in other states to emulate Kaduna State, saying there would be no result without partnering the media.