BY LAW IBITOYE
ACT NAIJA , A New Initiative for Social Development ( NISD) team had sought the cooperation and partnership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ekiti state Council to project its activities towards reducing poverty in Nigeria.
The programme Officer in Ekiti state, Rachael Olori during a courtesy visit to the council on Tuesday, said, ‘Act Naija, social protection initiative’ was aimed at reducing poverty in Nigeria, adding that the initiative was to properly monitor government policies on social protection and ensure benefits are evenly distributed to the needy without discrimination.
The programme Officer hinted that the initiative is being funded by an European union supported by:
Brot fur die Welt, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice ( ANEEJ) and new initiative for Social Development ( NISD). She solicited the cooperation and support of Ekiti journalists to project it’s programmes to make live bearable to Nigerians, especially the vulnerable in the society. Highlighting the importance of journalists in ensuring the success of the advocacy, Olori said, ” We recognise the pivotal role of the media in not only creating awareness, shaping public opinion but monitor and ensure accountability on the part of government.
“Act Naija is aimed to reduce poverty and promote inclusive governance by strengthening dialogue, collaboration and engagement between civil society and government to monitor and ensure those in need are captured. The state officer said.
Olori who explained that the programme is in operation in seven states and FCT in Nigeria, said, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states represented the South Western States with only 25 percent awareness. Olori listed benefits of the initiative to include: cash, health benefits ,school feeding programme, agricultural and women empowerment among others.
Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Kayode Babatuyi applauded the initiative , saying if effectively carried out it would improve the standard of living of many Nigerians who are in critical need. He pledged the support of the union , saying journalists are partners in progress.
The chairman who was represented by the Financial Secretary of NUJ , Lawrence Ibitoye, enjoined the team to ensure the programme is properly monitored and ensured it’s not taken over by overzealous bodies who may use it for selfish interest.
X-raying similar programmes in Nigeria with good motives which were hampered at the point of implementation, Idowu Adebomi, Ayodele Abere and Afolabi Sunday urged the Officers to carry paramount rulers, community chiefs and religious leaders along for total inclusion.
Act Naija office is located at Road 2D Fayose Housing Estate, Afao Road Ado Ekiti. The programme and account officers- Thankgod Ochaii and Grace Igber were in attendance.