Humanitarian Reportage: NRCS strengthens collaboration with Journalists

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to forging strong partnerships with media practitioners in Anambra State, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring effective coverage of the organization’s humanitarian services.

During a recent interactive workshop held at their Amawbia-Awka headquarters, Kingsley Okoye, Branch Secretary of the NRCS, highlighted the necessity of accurate and prompt reportage of its activities.

He expressed that the workshop aimed to build the capacity of journalists, enabling them to better understand and accurately convey the Society’s initiatives and principles. “Partnership is vital to our mandate,” Okoye stated, urging journalists to actively promote the Society’s operational engagements.

The workshop featured insights from Mr. Joseph Obidigwe, the Branch Communication Officer, who emphasized the importance of educating media practitioners on the core values of the humanitarian organization.

He articulated the fundamental principles that guide the NRCS—which include Humanity, Impartiality, Independence, Neutrality, Voluntary Services, Unity, and Universality—as essential components for effective communication in disaster and conflict settings. “We recognize journalists as key partners in raising awareness and serving the public better,” he noted.

In addition, Okoye called for journalists to exercise diligence in fact-checking before publication, emphasizing this practice’s importance in combating misinformation about the organization.

He announced that a significant initiative would soon support 1,000 households in three local government areas—Ogbaru, Ayamelum, and Anambra West—providing each with financial assistance of N90,000 from an international organization.

“This workshop ultimately serves as a platform for the NRCS to strengthen collaboration with journalists, fostering a collective effort to highlight the organization’s vital humanitarian work and promote awareness across the state and beyond,” Okoye stated.

Dr. Ruth Chigbue, the Branch Communication Adviser, also acknowledged the media’s pivotal role in the society and urged for a cooperative relationship.

“Cordiality between the Red Cross and media practitioners is essential for amplifying our humanitarian efforts,” she said.