GIABA opens bids for year-long media hour radio programme

• AML/CFT Journalists Network elects executives in Abuja

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) has launched bids for its GIABA Media Hour, a year-long radio programme open to media houses across Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries, at the conclusion of its National AML/CFT Media Outreach Activities in Abuja.

The Head of GIABA’s Secretariat, Tim Melaye, announced the initiative, noting that GIABA will cover airtime costs. He invited stations to submit proposals via GIABA’s website for slots featuring experts, journalists, civil society organisations (CSOs), and officials discussing Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), and the Ministry of Justice.

The call for bids followed the election of a new national executive committee for the AML/CFT Journalists Network. Elected officers include Lucky-Obewho Isawode of Channels Television as National Coordinator; Bridget Onochie of The Guardian as Deputy National Coordinator; Ikechukwu Nnochiri of Vanguard Newspapers as Secretary; Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye of The Sun Newspapers as Public Relations Officer; and Nana Hauwa Musa of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Financial Secretary.

Melaye charged the executives to drive momentum using digital tools such as Zoom and WhatsApp groups, bypassing physical meetings. “Don’t go to bed. Keep the people busy, keep them informed,” he urged, promising regular updates on GIABA activities across Nigeria and West Africa.

He highlighted plans to institutionalise an annual journalists’ award, building on last year’s “Kakuwa” initiative with a $10,000 prize for top reporting on regional integration, GIABA programmes, financial crimes, and ECOWAS efforts. “It’s not in the amount itself; it’s in the recognition,” Melaye said.

The network provides members access to a regional body for investigative support and daily reporting resources. Melaye stressed: “The stories you share with us become our narrative for the future.”

In his acceptance speech, National Coordinator Lucky-Obewho Isawode thanked members for their confidence. “We will work as a team and provide leadership for the body for the next two years,” he pledged.