By Ene Oshaba
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies’ (NILDS) Democracy Radio; a flagship station, hosted a pivotal breakfast roundtable bringing together over 15 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Abuja.
The meeting aimed to foster collaboration between the media and civil society for sustainable development. The event, held at Democracy Radio’s premises in Asokoro, was a significant step in aligning the goals of CSOs with the media’s role in promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic values in Nigeria.
Media, CSOs role in Democracy
Dr. Chibuike Ogumike, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in a keynote address highlighted the critical role of the media in a functioning democracy, emphasizing that “no genuine democracy can survive unless provision is made for the governed to know what their representatives are doing, are not doing, and are contemplating doing.”
Represented by Dr. John Ogbole, he underscored the necessity of a vibrant and responsible media to guide democratic processes through creating political awareness, promoting tolerance of diverse opinions, and upholding social justice.
Dr. Ogbole lauded Democracy Radio’s initiative to convene the roundtable, describing it as a testament to the station’s commitment to responsible journalism and deepening democratic culture. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the media and CSOs in holding governments accountable and ensuring that public and developmental issues are brought to the forefront.
“The media and civil society organizations are critical stakeholders in building sustainable development as both actively engage in constructive activism, advocate for change, and hold governments accountable for social and environmental costs,” said Dr. Ogbole.
He called for continued synergy between the two sectors, suggesting areas of oversight such as public spending, corruption, policy effectiveness, and respect for constitutional and human rights.
Democracy Radio’s Vision, Commitment
Acting General Manager of Democracy Radio, Uju Nwachukwu, expressed her delight in welcoming the CSOs and media houses to the roundtable. She outlined Democracy Radio’s vision to become a beacon of transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation.
“We strive to bridge the information gap between the government and the legislature, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the knowledge and tools necessary to engage in the democratic process,” Nwachukwu stated.
Nwachukwu highlighted Democracy Radio’s unique position as the only broadcaster dedicated to legislative and democratic engagement in Nigeria. She reiterated the station’s mission to empower citizens through diverse programming that educates, engages, and inspires active participation in governance and community development. Programs such as Leadership Lab, Democracy in Action, FCT Watch, Women and Youth in politics, Inside the National Assembly were cited as key initiatives aimed at fostering an informed citizenry.
Partnering for greater impact
Dr. Inya Ode, Programme Consultant for Democracy Radio, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the station’s commitment to amplifying the voices and messages of CSOs. She framed the roundtable as an opportunity to explore how media and civil society could leverage their respective strengths to achieve greater impact in society.
“This meeting is a crucial turning point,” said Ode. “We are here to listen to your insights and feedback as we work together to advance our shared goals. We appreciate the dedication and expertise each of you brings, and we are committed to being a supportive and effective partner in this endeavor.”
Exploring opportunities for collaboration
Discussions at the roundtable explored various opportunities for collaboration between CSOs and Democracy Radio, with a focus on identifying areas where they can work together to drive positive change. Mr. Elijah, CEO of Communications Assistance at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), spoke on the importance of media partnerships in advancing the public’s understanding of migration issues.
“We believe that the media have a great role to play in advancing understanding of migration issues,” Mr. Elijah noted, highlighting IOM’s work in reintegration programs, humanitarian interventions, and addressing trafficking within Nigeria. He called for more investigative journalism around the activities of traffickers and the humanitarian challenges associated with migration, stressing the need for balanced reporting that reflects both the challenges and benefits of migration.
Commitment to Democracy
As the roundtable concluded, there was a shared commitment to continue the dialogue and explore innovative ways to collaborate. The attendees reaffirmed their dedication to the principles of democracy and emphasized the need for joint efforts to create a more informed and empowered society.
“Together, I believe very strongly that we can create a more informed and empowered society,” said Uju Nwachukwu in her closing remarks.
The breakfast roundtable at Democracy Radio marks a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between media and civil society in Nigeria. With continued collaboration and commitment, these alliances promise to play a vital role in deepening democratic culture and advancing sustainable development across the nation.
