ZARIA, (Kaduna State) — The Save the Children International (SCI) has established a State Media Working Group (SMWG) to increase the voices of children on their survival, development, and protection in Kaduna State.
The group was established at the end of a two-day training of journalists by SCI on health advocacy to strengthen health systems in Kaduna State.
Inaugurating the group in Zaria on Wednesday, Mr. Kunle Olawoyin, SCI’s Information and External Communication Specialist, explained that the move was to also influence duty bearers to protect the right of children.
Olawoyin also said that the group would influence behaviour change, public mobilization, influence duty bearers, and empower right bearers towards child survival, development, and protection.
He added that the group would also drive discussions around issues affecting child survival learning and protection against all forms of deprivations, abuse, and child rights abuse.
Mr. Farauk Abdulkadir, the Advocacy and Communication Coordinator of SCI, the capacity of the media, Civil Society Organisations, and community structures would be enhanced.
According to him, this will enable them to communicate in a manner that will change the behaviour of policymakers and duty bearers towards protecting the rights of children.
“The group will also increase the voice of children on equal participation and inclusion in all issues affecting children in Kaduna state,” he said.
Mr. Philip Daniel Yatai of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) was elected to chair the group, with Mohammed Ajingi of the Nigerian Television Authority as Vice Chairman.
Mr. Joshua James, Executive Director of Jameel Media Concept was elected as the Secretary.
Speaking on behalf of the leaders, Yatai thanked members of the group for the privilege and promised to deliver on the expectations, particularly promoting the protection of the rights of children.
“We will do the best we can in driving discussions around children’s rights, hold duty bearers to account and advocate for the protection of children to ensure their survival and development.
“This will enable them to grow to full potential and contribute to national development,” he said.
