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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), have demanded rights of journalists and press freedom.
NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, who spoke at a stakeholders meeting organized by the CHRICED in partnership with the German government, yesterday in Abuja, noted that the media plays a critical role in advancing sustainable development,.adding that development cannot thrive where rights are violated, information is suppressed, or citizens are excluded from decision-making processes.
Represented by the NHRC Director of Corporate Affairs, Fatimah Agwai, Ojukwu also stressed the need for ethical storytelling.
He said: “From a human rights-based perspective, ethical storytelling must be grounded in the principles of dignity, equality, participation, accountability, and non- discrimination.
“It must amplify the voices of the marginalized, protect the dignity of victims and survivors, challenge harmful stereotypes, and ensure that people are represented fairly and accurately.
“Ethical storytelling is not merely about reporting events; it is about promoting truth, justice, and respect for human dignity.
“The media plays a critical role in advancing sustainable development because development cannot thrive where rights are violated, information is suppressed, or citizens are excluded from decision-making processes.
“Independent and responsible journalism strengthens democracy, promotes transparency, and empowers citizens to claim their rights and participate meaningfully in governance.”
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CHRICED Executive Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, raises concerns about the shrinking of independent voices as a result of suppression by state and non-state actors.
Zikirullahi said: “Today, we meet at a defining moment in our nation’s history. Across Nigeria, the space for independent voices is shrinking.
“Journalists face intimidation, civic actors confront repression, and communities—especially the most vulnerable—struggle to have their stories heard.
“Yet, despite these challenges, we also stand before immense possibilities. Technology is amplifying citizen voices. Young people are demanding transparency. Communities are insisting on dignity.
“And the Nigerian people, resilient as always, continue to push for a nation where rights are respected and governance truly serves the public good.”
According to him, engagement was more than a programme; but a movement.
“A movement to strengthen independent media. A movement to amplify human rights reporting. A movement to ensure that the voices of ordinary Nigerians—women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities—truly count in shaping the future of our democracy.
“Through Make It Count, we aim to nurture a new generation of citizen reporters, empower community-based storytellers, and support media platforms courageous enough to speak truth to power.
“We will invest in training, technology, and collaborative networks that enable journalists and civic actors to document abuses, expose corruption, and highlight stories of resilience and hope,” he added.
