Gatefield is an impact-focused public strategy firm with a strong history of supporting independent journalism through funding and technical support. Through our independent corporate social responsibility arm, Gatefield Impact, we have supported and mobilized resources for dozens of Nigerian journalists and independent media organizations to tell public good stories on public health, gender violence, food security and social justice. We also instituted the People Journalism Prize for Africa, which in February gave a $3,000 award to inspiring journalists who told the most impactful public interest stories.
During the #EndSARS protests, the Fund financed journalists to report stories around police brutality. Gatefield will continue to encourage and support the press in carrying out its legitimate duty to provide transparency and preserve our democracy.
The November 5th court order obtained by the Central Bank of Nigeria targets this Journalism Fund account. Gatefield will cooperate with the relevant department of the Bank in its inquiry to establish the legitimacy of our Journalism Fund which has been endowed by credible entities. It is important to state that we have not received any invitation from the Bank yet.
Gatefield will continue to support Nigeria. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gatefield provided technical and communications support to the Nigerian government at no cost. We also mobilized thousands of dollars in support for activities of various governmental agencies involved in the pandemic response.
We advise Governor Emefiele to lift the restriction on the Journalism Fund account immediately.
