By Halimah Olamide
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) is set to host her Civic Space Guard Conference in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement by the CEO, WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka.
The conference themed ‘AI, free press and civic space: Tools, challenges and the future of investigative reporting’ is slated to hold on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 by 10am at Centenary Hall, Ibeto Hotels, Apo, Abuja.
This conference seeks to explore the critical relationship between a free press, civic space, and investigative reporting, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies.
It is part of the ‘Leveraging the power of the media to fortify the civic space and tackle malinformation’ programme, implemented by the WSCIJ in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), with support from the Netherlands Embassy.
According to the Alaka, the 2022 WSCIJ media monitoring report, Hushed voices and the media’s defence of the civic space, confirms that journalists and news media organisations experience the highest number of attacks when civic space infringements occur.
“Journalists face threats, harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks, particularly during critical democratic activities such as protests and elections.
“As you are aware, a safe media is essential for a safe society, and a secure society is vital for the flourishing of democracy.”
This event will however bring together key stakeholders – security agencies, the judiciary, and the media – to facilitate constructive dialogue on their roles in protecting civic space and ensuring the free flow of information.
Ths Civic Space Guard project which launched in December 2021, builds on initial funding from the Joint Civic Defence Fund.
The initiative focuses on equipping journalists with the resources and support needed to carry out their duties effectively and safely.
Your participation would greatly enrich the dialogue, contributing to our collective effort to examine how emerging technologies impact journalists’ rights and the free press.