The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), an organization dedicated to upholding the integrity of information, is reaching out to the creative pulse of Northern Nigeria. Through its specialized platforms, DUBAWA and the Digital Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Disorder Analysis Centre (DAIDAC), the organization is launching a vital initiative aimed at embedding fact-checking and conflict-sensitive reporting deep within the local media landscape. They are actively seeking skilled radio journalists based in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and Niger States to join this high-impact consultancy. For those living and working in these regions, this is more than just a job; it is an invitation to use the power of the airwaves to protect communities during sensitive times.
The focus of this project is clear: to empower local radio stations to become beacons of truth in areas often clouded by misinformation. By equipping journalists with the necessary digital tools and verification methodologies, the CJID hopes to transform how news is processed and broadcast, particularly regarding conflict-triggering narratives. The goal is to move beyond conventional reporting and foster a style of journalism that prioritizes factual accuracy and peace-building. In an era where information can act as a catalyst for discord, these journalists will be trained to act as buffers, ensuring that the stories shared with the public are verified, objective, and conducive to social harmony.
To be eligible for this project, candidates must be full-time journalists currently employed by a radio broadcasting network within the target states. The organizers are looking for individuals with at least two to three years of solid experience in broadcasting or media production, ensuring that they already understand the rhythm and responsibilities of the profession. Furthermore, because local trust is paramount to this initiative, applicants must demonstrate a profound understanding of their community’s information ecosystem and current affairs. Fluency in Hausa is essential, as the effectiveness of this program relies on the ability to broadcast and connect directly with the local populace in a language they identify with deeply.
Diversity and local expertise are at the heart of this selection process. The CJID is particularly encouraging multiple journalists from the same radio station to apply, fostering a collaborative internal environment that can support these new fact-checking practices long-term. In a commendable effort to address the gender gap in media leadership, the organizers are placing a strong emphasis on applications from female journalists. By bringing more women into these influential roles, the project aims to ensure that the voices representing the community are as diverse as the people listening to their radios, providing a more comprehensive perspective on the issues that affect daily life in the North.
The role itself is hands-on and impactful. Selected journalists will be expected to launch and anchor a weekly live fact-checking radio program, which will include interactive call-in sessions to engage directly with listeners. They will be tasked with producing high-quality fact-checks that specifically target violence-related disinformation, essentially becoming the primary defenders against harmful narratives. Beyond the technical work of verification, these individuals will serve as their station’s designated point of contact, acting as ambassadors for peace who guide their organizations in transforming radio from a simple broadcast medium into a proactive instrument for stability and trust.
Joining this cohort offers significant professional and community benefits. Beyond the prestige of working with a globally recognized body like the CJID, participants will gain entry into a growing, cross-regional network of empowered media professionals who are actively working to change the narrative of Northern Nigeria. Both the journalists and their host stations will receive financial stipends to support their work and sustain the project’s activities. As this is a rolling application process, those who possess the passion, the availability, and the commitment to champion the truth are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, thereby taking a firm step toward building a more informed and peaceful future for their listeners.