By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna The leadership of two prominent civil society organizations—the National Democratic Institute (NDI...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The leadership of two prominent civil society organizations—the National Democratic Institute (NDI) of the United States and its Nigerian partner, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI)—paid a courtesy visit to the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new areas of engagement, particularly in electoral reforms and youth participation in governance.
The NUJ team was led by its National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, with key national officials including Achike Chude, Korede Opeyemi, and Tita Onyebuchi in attendance.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Bem Aga, NDI Nigeria Programs Director and leader of the delegation, emphasized the importance of the ongoing partnership between NDI and NUJ. He reiterated his organization’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Alhassan-led NUJ leadership in pursuit of shared democratic goals.
Mr. Aga also highlighted the critical role of youth in Nigeria’s democratic process and noted that NDI, through its partnership with KDI, is committed to supporting initiatives aimed at increasing youth engagement and participation in governance.
KDI Program Director, Lady Sannom Sarki, accompanied by Senior Program Officer Gbemisola Adebowale, briefed the NUJ leadership on KDI’s efforts to engage key stakeholders, including lawmakers at the National Assembly, in the push for meaningful electoral reforms.
She revealed that KDI has conducted extensive stakeholder engagements across the six geopolitical zones and recently concluded a national survey of over 4,000 youths. The survey assessed youth perspectives on Nigeria’s electoral process and was aimed at fostering reform and enhancing democratic governance.
Lady Sannom sought the support of the NUJ in amplifying these initiatives, emphasizing the value of media collaboration in driving public awareness and policy advocacy.
In his remarks, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi welcomed the delegations and pledged the Union’s full support for the initiatives of both NDI and KDI. He assured the visitors that NUJ would leverage its nationwide structure, covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, to promote the objectives of electoral integrity and youth inclusion.
The NUJ President also extended an invitation to NDI and KDI to attend the Union’s forthcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to make a formal presentation on their programs and proposed collaborations.
The visit concluded with the presentation of mobilization materials and a group photograph session. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the renewed partnership among NUJ, NDI, and KDI will yield significant outcomes in governance reforms, youth empowerment, and impactful media engagement.
No comments