By Archibong Jeremiah
Connected Development, CODE, a Pan-Africa organization whose mission is to empower grassroots communities in Africa with information and holding their government accountable have strengthened the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and media practitioners to combat the drivers of shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
The one-day workshop was held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, and was part of a project titled Digital Media and Communications for Civic Inclusion (DMCCI) which is supported by Oxfam.
Msen Nabo took the first session where the participants were taken through what press freedom is, how to defend it, and the essentials of ensuring the press is free.
She urged participants to unite and create awareness as agents of the shrinking civic space, reiterating that “the civic space is shrinking.”
The second session was on policy influencing and effective advocacy facilitated by Nkem Ibe.
The session focused on strategies to influence policies and how to effectively advocate for issues and get desired results.
An interactive session on drivers of civic space and the development of work plans was part of the activities participants underwent.