U.S Embassy supports TALKAM, local radio programme in Abuja

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the human rights pidgin programme popularly called “Talkam” on both Cool 96.9 FM and Wazobia 99.5 FM in Abuja.

The embassy expressed its support during a TALKAM Radio Programme held in Abuja on Wednesday, to mark the 16-Day of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with the participation of the information officer of the Embassy, Ms Jeanne Clark.

According to the convener of the programme, Joseph Osuigwe, “the talkam pidgin programme is aimed at exposing the menace of human trafficking, gender-based violence, violence against children, women, as well as men.

“The programme also works towards encouraging people to speak out, increase respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and also provide the platform to learn about human rights issues.

“The programme is also a mechanism to report human rights abuses, work towards ending silence and stigma associated with abuses.

“People can report human trafficking, gender-based violence and child abuse within four minutes using the TALKAM App. via, www.talkam.org

“The report will be received, analysed and the appropriate agency or organisation will be engaged to respond and support victims,” Mr Osuigwe said.

He said the programme was initiated to educate citizens on different human rights abuses, and stimulate them to monitor and report abuses in their neighbourhood.

Mr Osuigwe said that the U.S Embassy in Nigeria had also supported the convener in different programmes such as media campaign and  training of human rights advocates, among others.

He said there would be another programme in-between the existing one with the title, “Call to action against gender-based violence”.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Talkam Radio Program is held every Saturday by 5.00 pm at Cool 96.9 FM and every Sunday by 10.00 pm at Wazobia 99.5FM.

NAN