By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
Worried by the unethical representation of children’s pictures and stories in the media, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, organized a two-day training for journalists on ethical journalism and child rights reporting.
The two days engagements which took place in Port Harcourt, saw journalists, editors, and media advocates from across the South-South, South-East, and North-Central zones.
Meanwhile, a similar workshop recently took place in Kano, to strengthen ethical standards and deepen understanding of responsible reporting on children.
It was also meant to ensure media practices align with legal and ethical frameworks.
Speaking, UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, harped on the importance of the media to UNICEF.
Represented by Susan Akila, Communication and Advocacy Specialist| Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships
UNICEF, Saeed said the agency believes that the media is a major partner in advocating the voices of children.
She charged participants to use the training to sharpen their reporting skills on issues affecting children, so as to publish them appropriately.
“We believe the media are the foot soldiers, important not just to UNICEF but to the children of Nigeria. This training ensures journalists do not report children in harm’s way, and that perpetrators of child injustice are not left unreported and unpunished.”
Speaking while delivering his keynote address, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Port Harcourt, Mr. Anselem Audu, said the media is a powerful tool used in shaping public perception.
He added that the same tool could be used to amplify the voices of children in the society.
“But in amplifying these voices, the media must exercise great responsibility to ensure that reporting does not harm or exploit the very subjects it seeks to protect.
While harping on ethical journalism, he said building trust, protecting the vulnerable, and enhancing professional credibility are very necessary.
He urged journalists to be responsible in their reportage so as to build a peaceful society.
He cautioned against sensational or exploitative reporting that exposes child victims to further trauma, stigmatisation, or ridicule.
“A sensational headline about a child might sell your paper, but an ethical story protects that child’s right to a future free from shame and harm”.
He urged journalists to always fact-check their reports and ensure fairness, and empathy.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa, urged participants to reflect on their ethical obligations.
Represented by the Assistant Director and Head of CRIB, Temitoye Falayi, the Perm—Sec said the
training is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen media capacity and promote a culture of ethical child-focused reporting in Nigeria.
“Every image, every word and every frame we publish can have lasting consequences on a child’s life, safety and future. Together, let’s reaffirm our commitment to a media landscape that not only informs but also protects and empowers.”
The workshop featured experts who presented papers on various areas, urging the media to be responsible to the society and to observe ethics while reporting issues affecting children.
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