By Asuquo Cletus
The Good Governance Advocacy International (GGAI) has called for a strategic partnership with the media to deepen the culture of transparency, accountability, and responsive leadership in Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, at the Ernest Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, on Tuesday, the Director General of GGAI, Leonard Anyogo, described the media as โa fertile soilโ capable of nurturing the โseedโ of good governance.
โThe media is key to national development. As agenda-setters, you have the power to influence the tone of public discourse, shape public policy, and hold leadership accountable,โ Anyogo said.
He emphasized that the mission of GGAI a non-profit, non-political, and humanitarian organization is to identify and promote excellence in leadership while advocating for the rule of law, human rights, migration reform, and press freedom.
โI repeat: freedom of the press. I know why Iโm repeating that,โ he added, .
As part of the partnership, Leonard announced the offer of blanket membership to all accredited NUJ members, acknowledging the pivotal role journalists play in sustaining democracy.
โOthers may pass through many filters to join, but for you, we believe in your credibility and standing in society,โ he said.
He further disclosed that GGAI will be organizing a media-focused public lecture in the coming weeks, with 90% of attendees to be drawn from the NUJ and other verified media organizations.
The GGAI boss also noted plans to provide legal support and capacity-building opportunities to journalists in line with the groupโs objective of strengthening institutions and enhancing policy implementation.
In her remarks, the NUJ Chairman Archiobong Bassey noted that the NUJ remains committed to promoting people-centered governance through constructive journalism.
โAs the watchdog of society, we support advocacy efforts that put the interests of the people first. If we must hold leaders accountable, then the media must be empowered to speak freely and truthfully,โ she said.
She also assured the visiting team of the NUJโs willingness to collaborate on projects that align with its values and mandate.
Founded in July 2025 and headquartered in Ontario, Canada, with its administrative office in Nigeria, GGAI is focused on collaborating with institutions such as the NUJ to push forward a โreorientation agendaโ centered on governance reforms and civic engagement.
