A cross session of participants in FG, UNICEF's two-day capacity building for media professionals on ethical journalism and child rights reporting.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has organized a two-day capacity building for about 45 media professionals to sharpen and strengthen their skills on ethical journalism and child rights reporting.
Media practitioners from South-Western states, Edo and Delta states participated in the training organized by the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
In her keynote address, Celine Lafoucrière, UNICEF Head of Lagos Field Office, said ethical reporting is not just a professional standard, but a moral imperative.
Speaking on why ethical reporting for children matters to UNICEF, Lafaucriere said the reporting was to ensure that children are portrayed with respect, their stories are told with care, and their rights are never compromised in the pursuit of headlines or money.
Lafaucriere said UNICEF believes every child has the right to be seen, heard and protected.
Saying that the work of media workers is vital to the health of democracy and the well-being of our communities, he said ethical reporting aims to protect the most vulnerable.
She said children are not little adults but they are still developing emotionally, mentally and socially.
He advised media personnel to do so with utmost sensitivity when reporting on children, especially those affected by violence, conflict or abuse.
According to them, ethical reporting means protecting their identities, avoiding sensationalism and ensuring that their voices are heard safely and respectfully.
“In a world where misinformation spreads rapidly, your commitment to truth, fairness, and balance is what sets you apart. When you report responsibly, you become a trusted source of information. You help communities understand, heal, and grow.
“The stories you tell impact how society views its children, and how children view themselves. By choosing to report ethically, you are helping to create a Nigeria where every child is valued, protected, and allowed to thrive.
“This training isn't just a workshop. It's a call to action. Over the next two days, we'll explore the principles of ethical journalism, examine real-life case studies, and equip you with the tools to navigate the complex realities of reporting on children.
“We will discuss how to balance the public's right to know with the child's right to privacy and security.
“Let us remember, the way we report on children today will create the society of tomorrow. By choosing ethics, you choose safety. You choose dignity. You choose a better future for every child in Nigeria.
“Our expectation is clear that you leave this training not only with new skills, but with a renewed commitment to maintaining the highest standards of journalism, especially when it comes to children,” she said.
However, Lafaucriere hoped that the training would make participants champions of ethical reporting in their various newsrooms and communities, as well as set an example for others to follow.
He commended UNICEF's government partners and communications team for organizing the training, as well as media professionals and partners from Western Nigeria for being part of the programme.
Earlier, the Assistant Director/Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB), Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Abuja, Falayi Temitoye, said the training was designed to help media practitioners consider their ethical obligations.
Temitoye, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, said the program would also enable journalists to explore best practices in reporting on children's issues and strengthen their understanding of child rights enshrined in national laws and international conventions.
“The media have immense power, the power to inform, inspire and hold institutions accountable. But with that power also comes a deep responsibility to report with integrity, sensitivity and respect for human dignity.
“When it comes to stories involving children, this responsibility is even greater. Every image, every word and every frame we publish can have a lasting impact on a child's life, safety and future.
“Through open discussions, case studies and shared experiences, we aim to create a media culture that protects children's identities, amplifies their voices responsibly and upholds the highest ethical standards,” she said.
On her part, Susan Akila, Acting Head of Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships for UNICEF, Nigeria, said reporting ethically for children will help protect them as they are the leaders of tomorrow.
He said, “Therefore, ethical reporting is very important so that we can protect the rights of children. We ensure that everything about them is being said the way it should be said and is being shown the way it should be shown. If it is an abuse of their rights, it should be fought in a way that justice can be done.”
Communication experts who delivered lectures on various important aspects of journalism are Charles Obote, Professor at the Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Jide Johnson, Director, Special Programmes, Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos.
Others are Geoffrey Njoku, advisor, UNICEF, and Lekan Sote, columnist for Punch newspaper.
