As part of the implementation of its five-year Strengthening Advocacy and Civil Engagement project (SACE), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has concluded plans to organise three-day media training for journalists and Civil Society Organisations.
A statement signed by Lawson Rosemary, Delta programme officer, and made available to BusinessDay in Benin City, said the three-day residential public campaign and media training would centre on effective reporting of transparency, accountability and good governance.
Rosemary said not less than 17 CSOs across Nigeria were expected at the event billed to take place in Benin City between April 25 and April 27, 2017.
She noted that the SACE was a five-year project implemented by Chemonics International.
She said the objective of the project was geared towards strengthening civil society’s ability to influence the development and implementation of key democratic reforms at the national, state, and local levels.
The programme officer also added that the 17 partnering CSOs worked in collaboration with cluster of others; other CSOs and two Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) to promote reforms that improve transparency and accountability and increase inclusive economic growth in the Niger Delta.
She further listed other objectives of the project to include supports increased engagement and efficacy of civil society to be able to influence public institutions to serve citizens’ interests, engage marginalised populations, such as women, youths, and the disabled in the process and emphasises the importance of leadership and innovation.
While positing that the media plays an important role in promoting good governance in Nigeria, she noted that building the capacity of the media to routinely report on transparency, accountability and good governance issues are important to SACE projects success.
According to her, a strong media sector directly supports good governance; promotes voice and accountability; and reinforces other good governance goals. In order to achieve this, it is necessary that the media understand their role in the governance process and the specific expectations from the media to meet good governance goals.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
