Fridabs Solacebase Communications Limited has built an audio-visual studio for live programmes, interviews, and media discussions courtesy of Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA). Abdullateef Jos, Executive Director of the organisation, shared this during a virtual visit of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism on Friday, 1 March 2024. With the studio, Solacebase produces high-quality audio and video content, expanding its influence across the North Central and North West geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Reflecting on Solacebase’ accomplishments in 2023 and the impact of the CMEDIA project, Jos noted that they organised a townhall meeting on the state of Primary Healthcare Cents (PHCs). This resulted in the installation of water facilities across several PHCs in Kwara State. They also trained members of the press, provided story support to ten journalists, and conducted advocacy visits and engagements in Jigawa State. Besides these, Solacebase organised campus outreach sessions at the School of Nursing in Ilorin to inspire the spirit of community service and facilitate community development initiatives.
Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director/CEO, WSCIJ, praised Solacebase for their foresight in setting up an audio-visual studio. She emphasised the importance of strategic planning for media sustainability amidst the inflationary pressures on the media industry. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Technical Adviser, CMEDIA, also commended Solacebase for its efforts in reporting subnational issues. She urged the Solacebase team to remain dogged in its reportage of local issues despite resistance from those who want the truth concealed.
Other members of the WSCIJ team present at the meeting were Samson Ademola, Programme Officer; Emem Nssien, Finance Officer, CMEDIA project; Yakubu Afuye, IT Officer and Afolabi Oni, Communications Officer.
The CMEDIA project is focused on improving public awareness and the ecosystem for transparency, accountability and good governance and amplifying marginalised voices, especially at state and local government levels and the private sector.
