Democracy Radio, CSOs partner to drive good governance, accountability

By Julian Adetinuyo

Participants at the Breakfast Roundtable organized by Democracy Radio 104.9FM Abuja, has commended the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), for establishing a community-focused radio station, dedicated to fostering dialogue between  government and the public.

The roundtable, was aimed at bolstering collaboration between the media and civil society organizations (CSOs) in driving sustainable development and promoting democratic values. The event also marked the station’s one-year anniversary, with stakeholders reflecting on its role in enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.

Strengthening Collaboration
In her opening remarks, Uju Nwachukwu, Acting General Manager of Democracy Radio, emphasized the station’s commitment to engaging civil society as a means to promote good governance. She referred to the gathering as a “critical turning point” for fostering active citizen participation. “Our goal is to create an informed citizenry, which is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy,”  Nwachukwu stated.

She pointed to programs such as Leadership Lab and FCT Watch as examples of Democracy Radio’s dedication to bridging the gap between citizens and lawmakers, providing platforms for public engagement.

Amplifying Civil Society Voices
Dr. Inya Ode, Programme Consultant for Democracy Radio, noted that the insights shared by CSOs would shape their collaborative efforts in advancing democratic ideals, reiterating the station’s mission to uphold the voices of civil society organizations. “This meeting is a crucial turning point. We are here to listen to your insights and feedback as we work together to advance our shared goals. We appreciate the dedication and expertise each of you brings, and we are committed to being a supportive and effective partner in this endeavor.”” said Ode,

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chibuike Ogumike, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), stressed the media’s critical role in sustaining democracy. “No genuine democracy can survive unless provision is made for the governed to know what their representatives are doing,” Ogumike remarked.

He urged closer collaboration between the media and CSOs, particularly in areas like public spending, corruption, and human rights, to promote transparency.

Regional Partnerships
Representatives from West Africa Democracy Radio, led by Usman Umar, from Senegal, expressed their support for Democracy Radio’s initiative. Umar highlighted that partnerships between media outlets across West Africa could enhance information dissemination and strengthen democratic governance across the region.

Elijah Elaigwu, Senior Communications Assistant at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), emphasized the role of the media in shaping public understanding of migration issues. “The media have a great role to play in advancing understanding of migration issues, highlighting IOM’s work in reintegration programs and addressing human trafficking,” he said.

Elaigwu also called for more investigative journalism to spotlight the challenges surrounding migration and human trafficking across the country.

Commitment to Democratic Values
As the roundtable drew to a close, participants reaffirmed their dedication to democratic principles and underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the media and CSOs.  Among the notable organizations present were YIAGA Africa, CISLAC, HipCity Innovation Centre, and the Gender Strategy Advocacy Initiative among others.