From NPR Producer to AIDS Media Activist

Cece Fadope, Internews Nigeria

Not many people would leave a coveted position as a producer for National Public Radio in Washington, DC to move to Abuja, the hot capital city of Nigeria. But when Cece Fadope did just that last year, she was not only returning to her native country after 25 years away, but also pursuing a goal of linking her social activism with her media skills.

"My work with Internews captures the essence of what I believe about arts and media as tools for social change," she said in a recent email. "Our project, 'Local Voices,' strengthens skills of radio journalists to improve coverage of HIV/AIDS, the biggest health issue facing the African continent right now."

The oldest of five children, Fadope left Nigeria for the United States when she was still a teenager, along with her family.

During her seven years as a producer for the NPR program "Talk of the Nation," Fadope produced and hosted programs on African and health issues. She has also worked with Pacifica Radio and several human rights organizations.

Her activism has been driven by her belief in "the power of one."

"We make a difference one at a time," she said. "I believe that I have something to contribute to the African experience."