By Aremu Toyeebaht
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information, has called on Nigerian journalists to prioritise the protection and dignity of children in their reportage, warning against sensational coverage that could expose minors to lifelong harm.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day regional workshop in Kano on Monday, UNICEF’s Head of Field Office, Mr. Rahama Muhammad, described ethical child reporting as central to democracy and community trust. He stressed that while sensational headlines may attract attention, they risk re-traumatising vulnerable children and undermining their right to a future free from stigma.
Muhammad identified three key principles for ethical child-focused journalism: protecting vulnerable children from harm, building trust in a diverse society, and strengthening the credibility of the media in the era of misinformation.
Also addressing participants drawn from 10 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Federal Ministry of Information’s Head of Child Rights International Bureau, Mr. Toye Falayi, underscored the responsibility of journalists to balance compelling storytelling with integrity and child protection laws.
“This training is not just about reporting; it is about safeguarding the rights and dignity of children in every story told,” Falayi said, while urging the media to serve as advocates for Nigeria’s children in policy and practice.
The workshop, hosted at Tahir Guest Palace, continues through Tuesday with sessions on legal frameworks, ethical dilemmas, and practical case studies designed to help journalists strengthen accountability and professionalism in covering children’s issues.
