The journalists from the various media organisations in Borno state, are charged to fully leverage their respective media platforms to promote accountability, transparency, and public awareness on social protection systems in the state.

The task was handed down during a media capacity-building workshop organized on Wednesday by the Sirri Care Foundation (SCAF) held in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The accountability initiative is being implemented by GIZ, commissioned by the BMZ, and funded by the European union to strengthen inclusive social protection frameworks in Borno state.

Addressing the journalists at the workshop, Dr. Susan Tanwie, the Executive Director of the Sirri Care Foundation, a consulting NGO for the project, emphasized that the media plays a vital role as society’s watchdog in amplifying voices and ensuring that social protection policies reach the grassroots.

The ES added that the project is designed to bridge a significant knowledge gap, as many citizens remain unaware of existing social protection frameworks, their rights, or how to navigate the system.

While explaining on the media’s specific mandate, the project team lead, Mr Samuel Orahi underscored the importance of focusing reportage on social accountability.

“What we are basically talking about is that social contract that the government has with those who are the right-holders,” the team lead noted during the interactive session. He explained that when citizens go to the polls, they transfer their rights and entrust the government with the responsibility to protect them and provide essential services such as education, social welfare, healthcare, and assistance.

The team lead stressed that the timing of the initiative is crucial, as it coincides with political campaigning periods when public conversations regarding these governmental responsibilities and social contracts are most active.