Some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the umbrella of Civil Society in Malaria Control Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) are in a partnership deal with a Public Relations and Media Consultancy Firm, Hawlaab Media Training and Research Centre (HMTRC).
The event which took place in Kaduna, North West, Nigeria during the week was aimed at improving media coverage of the CSOs’ activities around education, health amongst others.
Also, the collaboration was to expanding the CSOs empowerment programs and improving access to their essential social services in the State through media coverage.
While speaking during the engagement session, the Chief Executive Officer of the HMTRC, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, disclosed that the activities of the CSOs are underreported, hence the need for a strong collaboration.
“It is against this background that the media consultancy firm is willing to render it’s support to amplify the activities of the NGOs, which despite the limited resources ensure that they bring succor to the common man through their various programs, especially in rural communities,” he said.
In his paper presentation titled: The Role Of Media In The Operations Of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Adubi explained that Media acts as the bridge between CSOs and NGOs’ missions, the public, donors, and the policymakers.
Abel Yahaya Hayas who was one of the resource persons at the event, explained that media serves as a tool that strengthening reputation of the NGOs and encourage trust among funders and stakeholders.
While delivering his paper, Hayas urged the participants not to relent in scouting for donors and ensure that they offer relatable narratives that incorporate challenges faced and the solutions implemented, saying that, with this, the funders may likely extend the funding of a particular project.
“This connection can lead to increased interest from journalists who are eager to share stories that inspire and inform their audiences,” he said.
Earlier, in her address of welcome, the Head of Operations of HMTRC, Hajia Rahila Abdullahi, explained that the engagement between the Media Consultancy Firm was to promote open dialogue, and share useful insights that will enhance the collective work of both the NGOs and the firm.
“Today provides an opportunity for meaningful interaction, exchange of ideas, and clarification on key issues of mutual interest. We encourage active participation, honest conversations, and constructive contributions from everyone present,” she said.
On her part, former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna Council, Hajia Asma’u Yawo Halilu applauded the turnout, adding that the event was a revealing experience that provides new, impactful insights to the participants
The former NUJ Chairman advised that the duo should sustain the partnership owing to its importance, stressing that the media enables NGOs to connect directly with beneficiaries and donors, providing a platform for feedback and community building.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Civil Society Organizations on Malaria, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Kaduna state Chapter, Diji Haruna, noted that the media plays a vital role in the life of every NGO, hence the need to create room for proper understanding and trust for the sustainability of the partnership.
He applauded the Media Consultancy Firm, as it sets to amplify the activities of the NGOs in the State, adding that the partnership would go a long way to create a system that is sustainable.
