ICRC Team Visits PRNigeria, Seeks Stronger Media Collaboration
A delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the PRNigeria office in Abuja, as part of efforts to deepen media engagement and foster strategic collaboration in humanitarian communication.
Led by Mr. Aliyu Dawobe, Public Relations Officer of the ICRC in Abuja, the delegation underscored the vital role of the media in amplifying humanitarian efforts, promoting awareness, and supporting crisis communication, especially in conflict-affected regions.
In his remarks, Mr. Dawobe emphasized that the media remains a key stakeholder in the ICRC’s work by providing visibility for its interventions and informing the public about critical humanitarian activities.
“We strongly need collaborative support from media organizations that understand ICRC’s operations and can relay accurate information to the public for effective communication and engagement,” he stated.
Also speaking during the visit, the ICRC Communication Officer, Mrs. Esther Eleojo Akpa, outlined the organization’s mandate of providing protection and assistance to victims of armed conflict and violence. She highlighted ICRC’s sustained presence in Nigeria’s North-East, particularly in the BAY states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe where they continue to support individuals affected by armed conflicts.
According to her, the ICRC is very disturbed about what is happening in zamfara, katsina and sokoto regarding the rising incidents of banditry and kidnapping in the region.
“We are really very concerned about what’s going on in zamfara, katsina and sokoto… we are monitoring the situation closely,” she said
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Meanwhile, she emphasized that “Our activities are rooted in the principles of prevention, control, and protection of vulnerable persons during crises. We rebuild hopes and restore lives by providing immediate relief items, distributing farm inputs such as seeds and chemicals, and supporting the restoration of livelihoods in affected communities,” Mrs. Akpa explained.
She further noted that the ICRC conducts awareness campaigns on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the Laws of War, to ensure that warring parties uphold the rules of armed conflict and do not hinder humanitarian efforts.
“We work to prevent sexual exploitation in IDP camps, reunite families separated by violence, and empower communities with First Aid training. Journalists are not left out, we also train them in First Aid and conflict-sensitive reporting,” she added.
In his response, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria, Malam Yushau Shuaib, commended the ICRC for its life-saving interventions, not only in Nigeria but around the world. He described the organization’s humanitarian work as a beacon of hope for displaced and vulnerable populations.
Speaking on behalf of the Publisher, Assistant Editor Zekeri Idakwo Laruba reaffirmed PRNigeria’s commitment to partnering with the ICRC in areas such as strategic communication, crisis communication, and fact-checking.
“As a media outfit committed to responsible journalism and public interest reporting, we will continue to support organizations like the ICRC that are working to alleviate human suffering and promote peace,” he assured.
The visit concluded with both parties agreeing to explore areas of mutual interest for future collaboration, particularly in building public awareness and enhancing humanitarian reporting in conflict-prone regions.
By PRNigeria
