By Ahmed Ahmed
A Bauchi state based Civil Society Organization (CSO), Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD) has built synergy with visiting officials of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nigeria on development activities in the state.
The synergy meant to explore more avenues for further collaboration with International Partners (IPs) in the state.
J4PD met with visiting USAID Officials on Thursday 13th April, 2023 in Bauchi, the State capital.
Mrs Elizabeth Kah, Coordinator J4PD told the visiting USAID Officials that CSO’s collaboration with some of USAID’s interventions and programs in the State is productive and encouraging.
“Though the bulk of J4PD’s collaboration with USAID Nigeria are mainly focused on public health,
“J4PD is also targeting other thematic areas like Basic Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Climate Change etc, with a view to contributing their quota for improved service delivery in those areas in the State.
She further told the USAID team that membership of J4PD cut across media practitioners in both print, broadcast and online channels that uses evidence based data and first hand information
“For carrying out awareness and advocacy campaigns through its reportage and, also interfacing with citizens and policy makers that is aimed at strengthening institutions and changing negative perceptions on preconceived notions.
The coordinator said that J4PD has an ongoing collaboration with USAID funded Integrated Health Program (USAID IHP), USAID State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (USAID State2State) and Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Project.
Kah then expressed J4PD’s gratitude to the USAID team for capacity building exercises that her organization has been enjoying and also added that, “our doors are open for more collaboration towards improved service delivery in our areas of competence”.
Responding, Mr Daniel Morris USAID Nigeria Director of Peace, Democracy and Governance appreciated J4PD members for the visit and also commended their effort towards improved service delivery in critical areas of human development.
Mr. Morris said the visit by J4PD has certainly added value to their official visit to Bauchi State and also wished them well in their work.