CALL FOR ENTRIES: MEDIA CHALLENGE AWARD FOR THE IN-DEPTH REPORTING OF PEACEBUILDING, SOCIAL COHESION AND RESILIENCE IN BORNO AND YOBE STATES

The UNICEF AND UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED hereby announce the opening of submissions for the media challenge on the in-depth reporting of peacebuilding, social cohesion and resilience in Borno and Yobe States.

The challenge is meant to encourage the documentation and reportage of positive trajectories on peacebuilding, social cohesion and resilience in the two (2) states as executed in Bama and Konduga as well as Bade, Potiskum and Jakusko in Borno and Yobe States respectively, UNICEF and WFP have been implementing the BMZ-funded Joint Resilience and Peace (Social Cohesion) project since 2022.

Submissions should be on thematic areas that include: community-led reconciliation initiatives, returnees’ success stories, youths led peace project, household and community resilience stories.

Eligibility Criteria:
The eligibility criteria are as follows:
1. Applicants must be media practitioners affiliated with identifiable and active media organisations (Radio, Television, Newspaper, Magazine and Online) in Nigeria.
2. Social media content creators with high level compliance with legal and ethical standards in Nigeria can also apply.
3. Applicants must be 18 years and above.
4. Knowledge of the socio-political and economic situations in the Northeast is an added advantage.

Submission Guidelines:
1. Submissions can be textual, pictorial, or audio-visual, depending on the expertise and place of work of the applicant.
2. The entries must reflect the exigencies of the identified local governments areas.
3. Submissions can also be in a form of news, programmes, documentaries, features and pictorial content.
4. Entries must focus on issues and context between 2020 and 2026.
5. The submission must have been published, broadcast or posted for public consumption.
6. Applicants are eligible to only one entry (multiple entries would NOT be considered).
7. Digital entries should be sent to (the email) with clear subject, body, and attachments. Where large files are contained in the entries, applicants can upload and submit the Google Drive Link or link to a website that publishes the article/story. mediachallengeproject@gmail.com
8. Hard copy entries should be submitted to the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Maiduguri. Contact person: Dr Musa Usman (08067211251). Hard copy submissions must clearly indicate the names, address, platform, and contact of the applicant.
9. All entries must be submitted before the 11:59pm 30th July, 2026.

Evaluation Criteria:
Entries would be evaluated by a team of judges based on the following parameters:
i. Accuracy
ii. Factual Reporting
iii. Depth of Research
iv. Originality
v. Uniqueness of storytelling
vi. Novelty of perspectives and issues.

Rewards and Prizes:
Winners, First Runner Up and Second Runner Up will be generously rewarded.

Join us to enhance the in-depth reportage of resilience and peacebuilding in Borno and Yobe States.