In a bid to elevate responsible reporting standards, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, has launched a two-day ethics-focused workshop in Kano for journalists from across northern Nigeria.
The program, hosted at the Tahir Guest Palace, brings together media representatives from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Abuja’s FCT.
It is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of both legal frameworks and journalistic ethics, with emphasis on the Child Rights Act, privacy considerations, and safeguarding the welfare of minors in media coverage.
Ethical Reporting: A Pillar for Trust and Protection
Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Head of UNICEF’s Field Office in Kano, underscored the critical role of ethics in journalism, especially concerning vulnerable children.
He cautioned that sensational details—such as identity-revealing images or names—can harm rather than inform, potentially re-traumatizing victims or stigmatizing families.
“Ethical journalism builds trust, protects the vulnerable, and strengthens social cohesion,” Farah emphasized.
He called on journalists to protect the dignity of children above sensational headlines, noting that “a sensational headline might sell newspapers, but an ethical story protects a child’s right to a future free from shame and harm.”
Building Resilience in the Media Narrative
Highlighting the power of nuanced storytelling in Nigeria’s complex social landscape, Farah argued that responsible reporting promotes unity and healing amid diversity.
He framed ethical coverage as “a vital service to democracy and to the community”—one that fosters credibility and resilience rather than division.
Similarly, Mr. Toye Falayi, Director of the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) within the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, reaffirmed the importance of the workshop.
He stressed that journalists must carefully balance compelling narratives with legal and ethical safeguards to ensure that the rights of children are respected and upheld.