The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called on media practitioners across the country to play a more active role in safeguarding children’s rights through ethical and fact-based reporting.
The appeal was made during a two-day training workshop held in Ibadan, Oyo State, organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in partnership with UNICEF. The event brought together journalists from various regions to deepen their understanding of ethical journalism and the importance of responsible storytelling when reporting on issues affecting children.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Ogbodo Nnam, emphasized the media’s powerful influence in shaping public perception and policy. Represented by Temitoye Fagbenro, Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau, Nnam stated: “Journalists are not just conveyors of information; they are protectors of the vulnerable. Ethical reporting on children’s issues is not optional—it is essential.”
UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer for the Port Harcourt Office, Dr. Anselm Audu, echoed this sentiment, urging journalists to uphold the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. He stressed the need for sensitivity, accuracy, and context when covering stories involving children, especially those affected by violence, displacement, or abuse.