The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has commended Nigerian journalists and media organisations for their contributions to democratic accountability, human rights advocacy and social justice as the organisation marks its 20th anniversary.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, gave the commendation during a meeting with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel in Abuja on Friday, October 23, 2026.
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Speaking under the anniversary theme, “20 Years of Voice and Justice: Empowering Citizens, Shaping Tomorrow,” Zikirullahi described the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s achievements, partnerships and contributions to promoting citizens’ participation in governance.
He said the media had remained a strategic partner in CHRICED’s efforts to strengthen democracy, promote transparency and ensure that the concerns of ordinary Nigerians receive public attention.
According to him, democracy goes beyond conducting elections, stressing that citizens must be adequately informed, public institutions held accountable and people given opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
He noted that Nigeria continued to face challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and social exclusion, making collaboration between civil society organisations and the media increasingly important.
Zikirullahi maintained that journalists played a critical role in strengthening democracy by questioning those in authority, exposing governance gaps and providing platforms for citizens to express their concerns.
Reflecting on the organisation’s two decades of operations, he said CHRICED had worked with communities, government institutions, development partners, traditional leaders, youth groups, women’s organisations and the media to advance human rights and social justice.
He listed some of its interventions to include advocacy for improved maternal healthcare, transparent Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funding, inclusive Almajiri education, protection of the rights of Abuja’s Original Inhabitants and monitoring of constituency projects.
Other areas of intervention, he said, included promoting accountability in public spending, defending civic freedoms and challenging abuses of power.
Providing an account of its achievements, the executive director disclosed that the organisation’s programmes and partnerships had directly and indirectly impacted more than 3.59 million people over the past 20 years.
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He said CHRICED had generated more than 30,000 media outputs, built a digital community of over 1.2 million followers and supported networks comprising more than 15,000 women and young people across Nigeria.
He added that the organisation had implemented nine major projects, published 62 reports, manuals and research publications, and collaborated with 11 funding partners and 19 strategic partner organisations.
Despite these achievements, Zikirullahi acknowledged that the media deserved considerable recognition for helping the organisation communicate its advocacy messages and reach wider audiences.
He appreciated journalists for reporting community concerns, public hearings and governance issues, noting that their work had helped amplify voices that might otherwise have remained unheard.
The CHRICED director also disclosed that the organisation had established CHRICED Radio and Television to expand access to civic education, public-interest journalism and human rights information, particularly among rural and underserved communities.
He explained that the initiative was designed to complement existing media organisations rather than compete with them, while ensuring that more Nigerians could participate in national conversations.
Looking ahead, Zikirullahi called for stronger partnerships between civil society organisations and the media, saying the country’s democratic development required sustained civic engagement, accountability and responsible journalism.
He urged journalists to continue prioritising truth, public interest and the concerns of ordinary citizens.
He reaffirmed CHRICED’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Correspondents’ Chapel and the wider Nigerian media community as it begins another phase of its work.
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The anniversary activities are being held under the theme, “20 Years of Voice and Justice: Empowering Citizens, Shaping Tomorrow.”
