Members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and media practitioners have agreed to improve collaborations with one another in their efforts to promote their common interest in society.

This agreement, among others, was contained in a communique issued at the end of a one-day round-table meeting, organised by the European Union Agent for Citizen-Driven Transformation (EU-ACT) to strengthen the relationship between media and CSOs to empower, to influence the government on its responsibilities.

The roundtable dialogue which brought together representatives of CSOs and media experts identified the common grounds between them, which includes informing, educating, agenda setting, and being the watchdog of the society amongst others.

The meeting identified some of the factors impeding effective collaboration between the media and the CSOs, such as the failure of CSOs to incorporate media into their project plans.

Speaking at the event, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC) reinforced the need for partnership between CSOs and media, which according to him will enhance citizens’ participation in the governance process.

He stated some elements of good governance promoted by the media and CSOs, adding that the public might not know what governance entails.

The IPC boss also noted that the “Element of good governance is the rule of law. One of the indicators of good governance is equality before the law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus, effectiveness, and efficiency.”

On her part, Olasunmbo Modupe from Lagos Television (LTV) spoke on the need for CSOs to incorporate media into their programmes in the planning stages, noting that the media component is not incorporated into the project plans of the CSOs to the extent that will foster mutual cooperation between the groups.

She also noted that some of those handling communications for CSOs do not have the necessary expertise in media relations.

Mrs. Bose Ironsi, the Executive Director Women Rights and Health Project also tasked CSO colleagues to be open to media and be deliberate with the media approach and strategies.

Earlier in his opening remark, Adesola Afariogun, the EU-ACT focal person in Lagos, stated that the organisation is currently supporting CSOs in 10 states across the country, specifically around capacity development and Sustainable Development Goals.

Afariogun noted that the CSO-Media roundtable was organised to create synergy between CSOs and the media for sustainable development.

At the end of the meeting, the stakeholders agreed that there is need for further and constant engagement between the two groups to enhance the cordial relationship to promote governance and accountability issues.