Journalists for Christ (JfC) International Outreach has publicly presented its publication titled ‘Silent Cries’ a summary highlights of special media reports on the pains, hopes, and aspirations of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.
The publication documented the outcome of JFC’s project/research on the media coverage of IDPs in Nigeria implemented by Journalists for Christ (JFC) with support from the World Association of Christian Communicators (WACC) and Bread of Life.
While speaking at the public presentation, the Reviewer of the publication, Mr. Francis Abayomi commended the publication which according to him speaks to the salient issues and underlining stories that reveal the situations of IDPs but which are unknown precisely because they were largely unreported or neglected.
Abayomi said “Silent Cries is yet another remarkable effort by JFC to promote the rights and welfare of IDPs in Nigeria through in-depth coverage and reportage that meet the expectations of the development agenda of the media.
“This publication yet challenge media /development actors to the responsibility of promoting journalism to enhance commitment to issues bordering on human welfare in meeting a critical objective of Development Journalism”
He thereafter challenged Gatekeepers (editors, publishers/media owners) to ensure that coverage relating to the welfare of IDPs enjoys the prominence of placements as well as prioritization in news stories, features interviews, and editorials.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Vice President of JFC, Mrs. Ugonma Cokey, noted that the publication which is the third being produced by the association is aimed at spotlighting the issues experienced by IDPs and drawing the attention of relevant stakeholders to their plights.
Cokey commended the journalists whose articles were compiled in the publication and charged them to be consistent in their reportage of IDP issues with the aim of driving much-expected impact.
Pearl Ngwama, one of the Journalists whose stories were supported by JFC, commended the group for their work around IDP, stressing that she was never keen on reporting IDP issues prior to her engagement with JFC.
“Being a part of the journalists supported by JFC has helped me to learn more about IDP issues and I’m grateful for this privilege which would also benefit the IDPs at large,” Ngwama added.
Present at the public presentation were JFC/IDP project implementation team, IDP supportive Journalists, development workers, and IDP focal persons.