The Federal Government has urged journalists and media organisations across Nigeria to take an active role in safeguarding the rights of children through ethical and responsible reporting.
The call was made in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) during a two-day training session for media practitioners on ethical journalism and child rights reporting, held on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Ogbodo Nnam, underscored the importance of the media in shaping public understanding and influencing social attitudes, particularly in protecting children—the most vulnerable members of society.
Represented by the Assistant Director and Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau, Temitoye Falayi, Nnam said the training aimed to strengthen journalists’ understanding of child rights as enshrined in both national and international laws, while promoting ethical standards in reporting.
“The media holds immense power—the power to inform, to inspire, and to hold institutions accountable. But with that power comes responsibility: to report with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for human dignity,” he stated.
“When stories involve children, that responsibility becomes even greater. Every image, every word, and every frame we publish can have lasting consequences on a child’s life, safety, and future.”
He added that the forum would enable participants to reflect on their ethical obligations, share experiences, and develop a media culture that protects children’s identities while amplifying their voices responsibly.
In her keynote address, the UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, stressed that ethical reporting on children was not only a professional standard but also a moral duty.
“Every child has the right to be seen, heard, and protected. Ethical reporting ensures their stories are told with dignity and care, without compromising their rights for catchy headlines or commercial gain,” Lafoucriere said.
She encouraged journalists to become advocates of responsible reporting in their newsrooms and communities, noting that the way the media portrays children today will shape the society of tomorrow.
“By choosing ethics, we choose protection, dignity, and a better future for every child in Nigeria,” she added.
