By Palang Paul
Human Angle Foundation has launched a Community Journalism Guide aimed at strengthening ethical and impactful reporting in Nigeria’s communities.
The guide was unveiled on Tuesday July 21st 2026 at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State during an event hosted by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.
The publication, produced under the Strengthening Community Journalism and Human Rights Advocacy in Northern Nigeria (SCOJA) project, is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Speaking at the launch, HumAngle Foundation’s Programme Director, Angela Umoru-David, said the manual was developed to serve as a practical resource for community journalists across Nigeria, noting that partnerships were essential to expanding access to quality journalism tools.
The SCOJA project, which began in 2025, has trained 90 journalists and human rights advocates across Northern Nigeria to improve community reporting and human rights advocacy.
In his foreword to the manual, HumAngle Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Salkida, described community journalists as indispensable contributors to the national narrative because of their close connection to local realities.
He said the guide was designed to inspire journalists to produce deeper and more authentic stories while amplifying the voices of underserved communities.
Also speaking, Jessica Odudu, Senior Policy Advisor on Human Rights and Public Diplomacy at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, said community journalists play a critical role in building trust and reporting conflicts from the perspective of those directly affected.
She noted that although many community journalists work with limited resources, they remain vital to ensuring accurate and responsible information reaches local populations.
Delivering the keynote address, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Maiduguri, Prof. Mu’azu Abubakar, represented by Mohammed Auwal Umar, emphasised that community journalism should focus on producing information tailored to the specific needs and realities of the people it serves.
The event also featured a panel discussion on strengthening community journalism in Nigeria with the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Dr. Abdulmutallib Ado Abubakar; Editor-in-Chief of Yerwa Express, Abdulhamid Al-Gazali; HumAngle Managing Editor, Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu; and SCOJA Fellowship alumna and Founder of FeelandHeal Initiative, Hassana Danyerwa.
During the discussion, Abdulhamid stressed the need for communities to have media organisations that understand local challenges and provide accurate, relevant information capable of promoting informed decision-making and social development.
Reflecting on the fellowship’s impact, Hassana Danyerwa said the mentorship she received through the SCOJA Fellowship opened new professional opportunities, including her selection for an international programme as the only Nigerian participant.
Other SCOJA fellows, including Faiza Jibrin, Yahuza Bawage and Nathaniel Ishaya, also shared how the fellowship had influenced their careers and community engagement.
At the end of the event, HumAngle Foundation donated copies of the Community Journalism Guide to the University of Maiduguri. The publication is available free of charge in both English and Hausa.
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