The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has launched a new radio programme, “Civic Spaces, Security and the People,” aimed at promoting civic participation, human rights, security and accountability in Abia State.
The initiative, launched on Friday, is being implemented in partnership with Spaces for Change (S4C), with support from the Action Group on Free Civic Spaces (AGFCS) and funding from the Global Fund for Human Rights (GFHR).
The weekly programme will be broadcast every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on SUN FM, Aba, with the organisers saying it is designed to provide an accessible platform for citizens, civil society organisations, government institutions, security agencies, journalists and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting communities.
According to FENRAD, the programme will use radio to promote public education, community engagement and accountability while providing citizens with opportunities to ask questions, share experiences and engage relevant institutions on matters of public interest.
Issues to be discussed will include freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, human rights, civic participation, community security, police accountability, community policing, protection of journalists and human rights defenders, youth participation, gender inclusion, conflict prevention, misinformation and institutional accountability.
Speaking on the initiative, FENRAD Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, said the programme was established to strengthen citizens’ participation in conversations about their safety, rights and communities.
Nwafor said, “A safe society is one where citizens are not only protected from violence and insecurity but are also free to speak, organise, participate in governance and demand accountability without fear.”
He added that the programme would provide a constructive platform for citizens and institutions to engage on sensitive issues while promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, accountability and peaceful resolution of challenges.
FENRAD said it believes security and civic freedoms should complement each other, stressing that respect for human rights, public participation, access to information and accountable institutions are essential to sustainable peace and security.
The organisation said the programme would also promote people-centred security by encouraging communities to identify security risks, strengthen early-warning mechanisms, promote peaceful coexistence and improve communication between citizens and relevant authorities.
Experts, community leaders, security professionals, human rights defenders, women, young people, persons with disabilities and other stakeholders will be invited to contribute to discussions on civic space and security.
FENRAD called on the Abia State Government, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, media organisations, community leaders, development partners and citizens to participate actively in the programme.
The organisation particularly urged public institutions and security agencies to regard constructive engagement with citizens and civil society as an important component of accountable governance and effective security.
FENRAD said its partnership with S4C, alongside support from AGFCS and funding from GFHR, demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening civic space and protecting citizens’ ability to participate meaningfully in public affairs.
The organisation said the programme would serve as a bridge between communities and institutions by creating opportunities for dialogue and ensuring that citizens’ concerns receive public attention.
The programme, which is expected to reach audiences across the South-East, will focus on civic education, public accountability, human rights and community security.
FENRAD said it remains committed to promoting human rights, environmental justice, civic participation, accountability, peaceful communities and sustainable development.
