The Association of Christian Journalists and Allied media Professionals, Journalists for Christ International Outreach has announced the launch of a new project aimed at bringing to the limelight, for institutional attention, the rights and welfare issues faced by Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Nigeria.
The group in a statement issued by the President of JFC, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, it was revealed that the new project was made possible with the support of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and the Bread for the World (German Protestant Agency for Diaconia Development).
Mr. Otufodunrin stated that the project is titled, ‘Advancing the rights and welfare of IDPs through the media’ and it will help to consolidate JFC’s work in alleviating the pitiable living conditions of IDPs
He also disclosed that it will provide information on the trend in reportage of IDPs and training for journalists and writers on enhanced reporting of IDP issues
Continuing, he stated that, “a small team of journalists across the country will be commissioned to write special investigative reports on IDPs issues and engender stakeholders’ engagement, and conduct series of media-driven advocacy to advance the welfare of IDPs.
“The new project will build up to two earlier projects; Monitoring Media Reportage and Portrayal of IDPs in Africa and Managing Internal Displacements in Nigeria supported by WACC and Otto Per Mille ( Weldesian Church), Italy.”
“While there’s a need for media to focus on the plights of IDPs as they keep growing and expanding, the one-year project is expected to drive positive reportage of IDPs in the media and attract policy change to improve the welfare and rights of IDPs,” Otufodunrin added.
The project will run from September 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022