- Prioritises conflict reporting, research and documentation to amplify marginalised voices
- Honours Saint Francis de Sales, the Patron of journalists and writers
- Leverages Catholic social teaching to foster the betterment of the human person
In response to the scarcity of investigative reporting and the lack of research and documentation, a Nigerian scholar who is also a priest and journalist has launched Advocatus Africa, a media platform aimed at providing a credible voice for the continent.
Operating under the guiding principle of “media for Africa, by Africans,” Fr. Justine John Dyikuk unveiled the digital platform today, January 24, 2026, coinciding with the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the Patron Saint of journalists and writers.
As “Africa’s authoritative voice,” Advocatus Africa is dedicated to reclaiming the African narrative from pervasive global stereotypes.
“We are officially launching a new era of storytelling—media for Africa, by Africans,” Dyikuk said, clarifying that “From the heart of the continent to the global stage, we are reclaiming our narrative with truth, depth, and purpose.”
“We are officially launching a new era of storytelling—media for Africa, by Africans” – Dyikuk
Meeting the demands of a changing media environment
The platform seeks to spearhead a “paradigm shift” by offering African-owned spaces that accurately reflect the diverse experiences and innovations of the continent’s youth, women, and children through impactful storytelling.
Its content aims to amplify perspectives that are often marginalised in mainstream international narratives, focusing on subjects such as religious suppression and the promotion of Catholic values related to accountability, economic transformation, and civic engagement.
The launch aligns with a broader continental movement toward digital media resilience and independent journalism, particularly in an era that underscores the convergence of AI and storytelling as essential tools for the sustainability of African media.
Advocatus Africa is a media-related charity and a subsidiary of the registered Nigerian charity, Media Team Network Initiative (MTNI), which was established in September 2018.
The name “Advocatus” is derived from its Roman origins, meaning a protector of the public interest who acts with integrity.
Motivated by the “Great Commission,” we strive to serve as witnesses in a digital courtroom, advocating for those who have been silenced.
As an advocacy-driven organisation, we invite participation from both global and local audiences to act as “fellow advocates,” voicing the concerns of those seldom heard in global discourse.
Our Identity: The Voice of the Marginalised
Built upon the faith-based “We-Media” model, we offer a distinctive blend of grassroots journalism and citizen media.
Our initiatives include interpretive journalism motivated by the mission to advance the frontiers of Christian civilisation by amplifying the voices of the persecuted.
In our research and documentation efforts, we aim to “document and report atrocities against Christians and marginalized communities, providing groundbreaking insights into religious, political, and socio-economic issues.”
Our advocacy for development fosters “integral human development, justice, and rights.” Additionally, we look forward to introducing the Defenders of the Faith initiative to recognise and honour apologists who courageously promote and defend the faith in the face of persecution, culminating in our AA’s Defender of the Faith Lifetime Award.
Vision, Mission, Core Mandate
Our vision is clear: “To serve as a beacon of hope for the voiceless who call out in the darkness, seeking a reliable digital platform to share their stories.”
Our mission, aligned with this vision, is to provide a voice for all who seek truth, justice, peace, and integral human development.
Guided by our motto, “Truth, Justice, and Right,” we are committed to adhering to the highest ethical standards of objectivity, fairness, and balance in the research, documentation, and reporting of atrocities.
We also prioritise the training of interns and journalists in the fundamentals of advocacy and interpretive journalism.
We are dedicated to ensuring that the media serves the common good by providing information rooted in truth, freedom, justice, and solidarity, in line with The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 2494).
In addition, Advocatus Africa leverages the Social Doctrine of the Church to foster the betterment of the human person, aiding individuals in becoming spiritually mature, aware of their dignity, and responsive to the needs of others, especially the most vulnerable (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, No. 415, par.2).
“Advocatus Africa leverages the Social Doctrine of the Church to foster the betterment of the human person.” – Dyikuk
Our platform upholds the media’s role as a watchdog, mobilising public support for social change toward a free, just, and equitable society.
Additionally, our online space rejects the abusive treatment of religious views and instead champions socially responsible advertisements and content that are neither misleading nor harmful to the public, while adhering to the standards of a leading 21st-century media organisation.
Ultimately, we strive to be an independent and authoritative voice for the marginalised in Africa and beyond, empowering vulnerable groups—especially victims of violence and other forms of abuse—to share their stories in their own words.
Meet Our Team
Justine John Dyikuk serves as the Convener and Editor-in-Chief of Advocatus Africa. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Journalism, Media, and Communication at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK.
He holds a Master of Arts degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Pastoral/Communication Studies from the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, which is affiliated with the University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Recently, he earned a Diploma in Freelance Travel Journalism from the British College of Journalism in Australia.
In addition, he possesses two bachelor’s degrees in theology from St. Augustine’s Major Seminary in Jos, affiliated with the University of Jos, and in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome.
With 16 years of experience in the newsroom as a freelancer, Dyikuk previously served as the editor of the Bauchi Caritas Newspaper and as the Communications Director for Bauchi Diocese.
He is also a Senior Fellow for Religious Freedom Policy at the Religious Freedom Institute in Washington, DC, and acts as the Nigerian Correspondent for The Pillar, a US-based news agency, in addition to reporting for Truth Nigeria.
His work has been featured in a variety of international media outlets, including Africa Defense Forum, Eurasia Review, Catholic News Agency, ACI Africa, Sahara Reporters, Premium Times, The News Chronicle, Vatican News, Religious Freedom Institute, Crisis Magazine, Union of Catholic Asian News, andThe Trent, among others.
As a priest-journalist, Dyikuk is also a Lecturer of Mass Communication at the University of Jos, Nigeria, and is a widely published scholar. He is passionate about covering topics related to the Church and society, religiously motivated violence, government counter-messaging, and political and strategic communication.
Ijuptil K. Joseph (Ph.D., UK) is also a member of the team, having earned his doctoral degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Glasgow.
His research centers on the mathematical modelling of active fluids within a channel. He holds a Master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Ghana.
His expertise lies at the intersection of data science, continuum modelling, fluid mechanics, and the application of mathematical modelling to address real-world human challenges.
A First-Class graduate in Mathematics from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria, he served as a Graduate Researcher and Teaching Assistant at the University of Glasgow, where he taught Mathematical Methods of Physics from October 2019 to September 2020.
He is also a proud member of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana Class of 2021.
As a widely published scholar, Ijuptil possesses advanced skills in data processing, evaluation, aggregation, and consolidation. His hands-on experience and expertise in computation make him a valuable resource for research and documentation at Advocatus Africa.
Sylvester Jalo is a reporter specialising in citizen journalism. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Communication Studies from the University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Currently a priest in the Bauchi Diocese, Fr. Jalo serves as a fide donum priest in the Archdiocese of Glasgow, Scotland.
He also possesses a Diploma in Pastoral Communication from the Centre for the Study of African Culture and Communication (CESACC) at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
With two degrees in Philosophy and Theology from St. Augustine’s Major Seminary in Jos, affiliated with the University of Jos, Fr. Jalo’s research interests include social media activism, counterterrorism, and the interplay between the Church and media. Fr. Jalo is a reporter for Advocatus Africa.
Also on the team is Francesco Leone Grotti, who graduated in Philosophy from the Catholic University in Milan. A native of Cattolica, Grotti has significant experience in journalism, having worked for the AsiaNews Catholic news agency.
He currently contributes to the monthly magazine Tempi and is the author of several books, the latest of which focuses on Taiwan, titled “La croce e il dragone.” Grotti also writes as a columnist for Advocatus Africa.
Jude Dangwam is an accomplished Nigerian investigative journalist with over a decade of experience in crafting compelling investigative reports for Daily Asset Newspaper and other prominent national dailies.
He holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Development Communication (Strategic Communication) from Plateau State University in Bokkos, North-central Nigeria, alongside a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Mass Communication from the University of Jos and a Diploma in the same field from Plateau State Polytechnic in Barkin-Ladi.
Dabee confidently navigates a broad spectrum of topics, focusing on critical investigative stories concerning human rights and the persistent conflict in his home state of Plateau.
Driven by a strong commitment to justice and accountability—cornerstones of effective journalism—he champions the vital role of the press in holding public officials accountable and sparking meaningful societal reform.
He actively supports the mission of Advocatus Africa by contributing his expertise pro bono.
Join the movement and stay informed at Advocatus Africa. Support, click, read, like, comment and share because good journalism begins with you!
#AdvocatusAfrica #AfricanVoices #MediaByAfricans #AfricaRising #AuthoritativeVoice”
This is timely and greatly commendable. Kudos to you Fr Justine for birthing this. Your quest for authentic journalism and reporting is greatly appreciated and felt.
God bless you and the team
This is a great initiative, Fr. Justine and team. We are in dire need of a true voice for the voiceless in our world. A voice that speaks with courage against injustice, that uplifts the marginalized, and that reminds us of our shared humanity. In times when silence can be mistaken for consent, such a mission becomes not just noble but necessary. May this platform become a beacon of hope, a channel of truth.
@Beji,thank you for your encouragement and commendation. Best wishes!
@Emmanuel. Thank you so much for your positive feedback. Kind regards!
This is truly thoughtful and commendable
Kudos to you and your team, Padre
Blessings and bliss
@Francis. We appreciative your goodwill and commendation. Best regards!