FG, UNICEF Empower Journalists to Protect Nigeria’s Future

Daji Sani in Yola 

In a bid to promote responsible storytelling, the Federal Government and UNICEF recently trained media professionals from Northeast and Northcentral zones in Gombe State on ethical journalism practices for reporting child rights issues.

The two-day workshop equipped journalists with practical tools and best practices for covering children’s stories, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing children’s protection and empowerment.

Assistant Director Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Falayi Temitoye, stressed the significance of journalists’ ethical responsibilities when covering children’s stories, urging participants to recommit to responsible journalism.

UNICEF’s Sussan Akila highlighted the media’s critical role in balancing public interest with child protection, calling for clear newsroom guidelines on child reporting protocols.

Experts shared insights on ethical principles, trauma-informed journalism, and guidelines on crime reporting involving minors, highlighting the need for journalists to stay updated on these issues.

Participants praised the workshop as timely, noting it would enhance their professionalism and improve child-focused reporting.

The training aimed to strengthen knowledge of child rights and promote responsible reporting, with sessions covering handling ethical dilemmas and legal implications of reporting child abuse.

The workshop was organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in partnership with UNICEF, demonstrating the government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s identities.

UNICEF reaffirmed its support for initiatives promoting responsible storytelling, and the training is expected to improve the quality of child-focused reporting across regions.

With this training, media professionals are now better equipped to report on child rights issues, contributing to a safer and more informed society for Nigeria’s children.