It was an assemblage of media professionals as De Gratia Centre for Media Rights and Education was officially launched with a promise to groom media practitioners for global competence.

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre (Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Convener of De Gratia Centre, Paulinus Nsirim said the organisation is birthed out of the need to deepen the capacity of media practitioners to compete favourably globally.

“The vision of De Gratia Centre for Media Rights and Education is to be a global brand in offering qualitative training in media practice; to serve as a fountain for ethical research and training.”

“It is expected that the grooming of thorough bred professionals will change the face of media practice across the country and beyond.”

“Our Mission also, is to raise an army of media professionals who will set the bar of objectivity and fairness in media practice.”

“We shall use our professional competence to promote high ethical standards in media practice in Nigeria and beyond.”

According to Nsirim, strategies aimed at achieving the organization’s vision include workshops, seminars, master classes, mentorship classes, certificate courses, partnerships for industry experience, exchange programmes and research media.

He further informed that membership of De Gratia Centre, which he said is a not-for-profit organization, will be open to individuals with relevant Journalism qualification and experience irrespective of sex, ethnicity, political and religious backgrounds, soliciting for stakeholder support.

Earlier, a renowned media professional, Ignatius Chukwu, who is Chairman of the Organizing Committee, in his welcome address encouraged journalists to support the organisation as they are direct beneficiaries of the organisation.

Also speaking during the conference, Chairman of the NUJ, Rivers State Chapter, Stanley Job lauded the establishment of the Centre, saying the convener has displayed capacities by virtue of offices he has held, expressing optimism that the Centre will do well.

“This Centre will bring more education on these areas and the members of the Media or journalists will know more of their rights and this man, I want to commend Nsirim, he has been a pacesetter.”

“When he was Perm Sec, there was a program he created which has to do with our State and now he is bringing this one. I think it’s laudable and worthy of support. We should give him the support that he requests.”