Citizen Journalists Network, Michael Edem-Duke, Dame Judith Amaechi, Chief Mike Ozekhome, Others Bag Awards At The Stakeholders Summit On Social Justice

Citizen Journalists Network, Michael Edem-Duke, Dame Judith Amaechi, Chief Mike Ozekhome, Others Honoured at Stakeholders Summit on Social Justice

Abuja, Nigeria | February 17, 2022

Citizen Journalists Network (CJN) and its Founder, Michael Edem-Duke, were among distinguished organisations and individuals recognised for their outstanding contributions to social justice, media, and community development at the Stakeholders Summit on Social Justice, held at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

Organised by Drum Majors for Peace in collaboration with Earthspring International, the summit commemorated the World Day of Social Justice and convened leaders from government, civil society, the media, academia, development organisations, traditional institutions, law enforcement agencies and the private sector to advance dialogue on justice, peace and sustainable nation-building.

Among the those honoured at the event were renowned constitutional lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN; former First Lady of Rivers State and founder of the Empowerment Support Initiative, Dame Judith Chibuike Amaechi; the Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe; and several other distinguished Nigerians recognised for their contributions across various sectors.

Citizen Journalists Network received the Social Justice Prize for Impact in Media for Community Development, in recognition of its commitment to promoting citizen participation, community development and solutions-driven journalism.

Its Founder and President, Michael Edem-Duke, was also honoured with the National Prize for Leadership in Media for Social Change, alongside a Certificate of Excellent Leadership, in recognition of his contributions to to advancing social change through journalism, civic engagement and public advocacy.

Presenting the award to CJN Founder, Dame Judith Chibuike Amaechi congratulated the recipient and encouraged all awardees to continue deepening their impact through grassroots-focused initiatives that advance justice and sustainable development.

Advancing Social Justice Through Inclusive Advocacy

Speaking as a panelist during the summit, Michael Edem-Duke emphasised that the pursuit of social justice must remain holistic, inclusive and free from selective advocacy.

He warned that reducing social justice advocacy to ethnic, regional or gender interests risks undermining its broader purpose of strengthening national cohesion.

"One of the greatest threats to social justice is sentimentalism in the advocacy for social justice itself. When people define social justice solely within the confines of their region, gender or ethnicity, they may still be advocating legitimate concerns, but an approach that elevates one group's interests above the rights and dignity of others ultimately weakens the very cause of justice and can become an injustice in itself. For social justice to truly contribute to nation-building, it must remain holistic and inclusive."

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of Drum Majors for Peace, Mr. Nsikan Paul, noted that the summit aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which promotes Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

The summit featured panel discussions on governance, civic participation, youth leadership and inclusive development. Other panelists included Ambassador Austin Peacemaker, ECOWAS Peace Ambassador; Comrade Solomon Adodo, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria; High Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP); Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Akwa Ibom State; Amina Danjuma of the Foundation for Resilient Empowerment and Development; David Agu, Esq., Partner at Ojoge, Omileye & Partners; and Dr. Henry Debem, President of G-Role Africa.

Presenting the Social Justice Prize for Impact in Media for Community Development to Citizen Journalists Network, High Chief Peter Ameh commended the organisation for its innovative approach to community development and encouraged it to continue leveraging youth leadership to drive sustainable social impact across Nigeria.

The summit also attracted several prominent national leaders and stakeholders, including Her Excellency Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno, Nigeria's High Commissioner to Jamaica, Belize, the Dominican Republic and Haiti; Obongawan Dorah Ebong, Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State at the Federal Character Commission; Rev. Joseph Hayab, President of the Global Peace Foundation; alongside representatives from government institutions, development organisations, academia and civil society.