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CHRICED unveils ‘Make It Count’ Project to boost independent media, human rights reporting
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has launched the “Make It Count” project, an initiative aimed at strengthening independent media and promoting human rights reporting across Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the project was unveiled on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja attended by media practitioners, civil society organisations, government officials and development partners.
Speaking at the event, CHRICED Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said the initiative seeks to empower journalists, citizen reporters and community storytellers to amplify the voices of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those from marginalized communities.
According to him, the project was conceived in response to growing concerns over increasing pressure on independent voices amid rising public demand for transparency, accountability and respect for human rights.
“Today, we meet at a defining moment in our nation’s history when independent voices are increasingly under pressure, yet citizens are demanding greater transparency, accountability and respect for human rights,” Zikirullahi said.
He added that the project would contribute to building a stronger and more resilient media landscape capable of giving voice to women, youths, persons with disabilities and other underserved groups.
“The ‘Make It Count’ Project is our contribution to building a stronger and more resilient media landscape that gives voice to women, youths, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups,” he stated.
Zikirullahi described the launch as the beginning of a broader movement to strengthen independent media, protect citizens’ voices and promote a future anchored on truth, justice and accountability.
“Democracy cannot thrive without a free press, human rights cannot be protected without fearless reporting, and development cannot be sustained without accountability,” he said.
He stressed the need for stakeholders to safeguard civic space and ensure citizens have access to credible and reliable information.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Anthony Ojukwu, described the meeting as timely.
Represented by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Fatima Mohammed, Ojukwu said information and storytelling play critical roles in shaping public opinion and influencing responses to societal issues.
“Ethical storytelling has become a powerful tool for promoting human rights, social justice, accountability and sustainable development,” she said.
Ojukwu noted that ethical and rights-based reporting has become increasingly important as Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, inequality, misinformation and shrinking civic space.
He emphasized that journalists and media practitioners remain indispensable partners in advancing democratic values and promoting respect for human rights.
“The media is vital to sustainable development. Development cannot thrive where rights are violated, information is suppressed, or citizens are excluded from governance,” he added.
Delivering a keynote address titled The Future of Independent Media and Human Rights Reporting in Nigeria, activist and labour leader Owei Lakemfa said both public and private media organisations face different forms of influence that can undermine editorial independence.
According to him, government-owned media outlets are often constrained by official interests, while privately owned media organisations may be influenced by the political and commercial interests of their proprietors.
“Media independence is relational. It is multidimensional. It is not something that is fixed,” Lakemfa said.
He observed that although Nigeria’s media ecosystem remains vibrant, it continues to face persistent threats that require urgent attention to preserve democratic accountability and civic freedoms.
Lakemfa called for stronger protection of press freedom, improved safety measures for journalists and greater commitment by stakeholders to safeguarding independent journalism in the country.
Participants at the meeting examined the future of independent media and human rights reporting in Nigeria, highlighting challenges facing journalism, shrinking civic space and strategies for promoting ethical, rights-focused reporting across the country.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in six newly appointed commissioners, three advisers and 19 permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ceremony followed the confirmation of the six commissioner nominees by the Kano State House of Assembly on October 26, 2026, after completing the legislative screening process.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u (retd.), assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi Dala, Investment; Prof. Sani Lawan Manunfashi, Higher Education; Muktar Ishaq Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba Mustapha, Special Duties.
In a related development, the governor announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the redeployment of two commissioners to different ministries.
Under the new arrangement, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Similarly, Hamza Kachaco has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle leaves the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, vacant pending further decisions by the state government.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the appointments and redeployments are aimed at strengthening government institutions, improving administrative efficiency and repositioning key ministries for effective service delivery.
The governor urged the new appointees to demonstrate dedication, integrity and commitment to their responsibilities, stressing the need to prioritise public interest and contribute to the development of the state.
He also charged them to work collaboratively in advancing his administration’s development agenda and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Gov Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.
Ibrahim Khalil
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redeployed the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as part of a cabinet reshuffle involving eight ministries.
KANO FOCUS reports that under the new arrangement, Waiya moves from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youths and Sports, while Hon. Hamza Safyanu Kachako has been transferred from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle also assigns new commissioners to several ministries.
Hon. Yushau Soja has been assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security, while Hon. Idris Garba Mustapha will oversee the Ministry of Special Duties.
Similarly, Hon. Muntari Ishaq Yakasai has been assigned to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi Dala will head the Ministry of Commerce.
Other appointments include Hon. Ibrahim Tsanyawa as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Prof. Sani Lawal as Commissioner for Higher Education.
The reshuffle affects eight ministries, with the changes involving both new portfolio assignments and the redeployment of serving commissioners.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of its Niger State Coordinator, Hajiya Habibah Dauda Alabura.
In a condolence statement signed by its National President, Yinka Shokunbi, and National Secretary, Alhaja Sekinah Lawal, the network described the deceased as a dedicated journalist whose contributions to reproductive health reporting were invaluable.
The statement said Alabura, a staff member of Niger State Television, was a committed and passionate member of the network who demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting reproductive health journalism.
It noted that her death was a painful loss to the organisation, adding that she would be remembered for her tireless leadership as Niger State Coordinator, encouragement to colleagues and commitment to amplifying reproductive health issues.
“Her passing leaves a huge vacuum not only in NRHJN but in the broader health journalism community and the media profession,” the statement said.
The network expressed solidarity with her family, friends, colleagues at Niger State Television and NRHJN members in Niger State and across the country.
It also prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her good deeds and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.
The organisation further prayed for strength and fortitude for her family and loved ones to bear the loss.
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