UNICEF Urges Ethical Journalism to Protect Children, Promote Healing in Crisis-Hit Regions

By Auwal Ahmad

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged journalists covering Nigeria’s North-East and North-Central regions to adopt ethical reporting practices that prioritise the safety and dignity of children and other vulnerable groups affected by conflict.

Sussan Akila, a Communication Specialist with UNICEF, made the call during a two-day training for journalists drawn from the regions, where insecurity and humanitarian crises continue to shape news coverage.

While acknowledging the risks and limitations journalists face in accessing conflict areas, Ms Akila commended media practitioners for their persistence in informing the public despite the challenges. However, she emphasised that journalists have a responsibility that extends beyond breaking news, acknowledging that the way they report stories can have a significant impact on the lives of victims.

According to Ms Akila, the media plays a powerful role in shaping public discourse and influencing how society responds to crises. She warned that careless reporting, particularly involving children, can expose victims to further harm or stigma. Ms Akila cautioned that we must handle elements like photographs, video footage, and headlines with caution, as they have the potential to either protect survivors or worsen their situation.

“Journalists have the power to shape narratives. The way we tell stories can make survivors feel safe or put them at risk,” she said.

She urged reporters to reflect on the consequences of their choices, especially when dealing with sensitive issues such as sexual violence or abuse involving minors. Emphasising empathy, Ms Akila encouraged journalists to consider how they would handle stories involving their children or family members.

She questioned the ethics of publishing identifiable images or details of child victims simply to attract attention or boost readership. “Would you publish the face of your child in such circumstances? These are the questions we must ask ourselves,” she said, adding that ethical reporting begins with recognising the humanity of those affected and treating them with respect.

Ms Akila further noted that while journalists may move on after filing a story, the consequences of their reporting often remain with victims for years. She warned that exposing a child’s identity or sharing sensitive details could have lasting effects, including stigma and psychological trauma that may follow the individual into adulthood.

“The story may end for the reporter, but its impact continues in the life of the victim and within the community,” she said.

She described journalists as more than observers, noting that they also have a role to play in supporting recovery and healing in communities affected by violence. According to her, responsible reporting can help reduce stigma, promote understanding and encourage support for victims, particularly children and women.

The training, she explained, is designed to help journalists examine how their work affects individuals and communities and to improve standards in reporting sensitive issues. Participants are expected to engage in discussions and share experiences aimed at developing safer and more responsible reporting approaches.

Ms Akila expressed optimism that the sessions would equip journalists with practical tools to tell stories without causing additional harm.

“Ethical reporting is not only about accuracy. It is about doing what is right for children and for society,” she said.

UNICEF has continued to partner with media organisations to promote child-sensitive journalism, especially in regions affected by conflict, where reporting can either contribute to recovery or deepen existing wounds.

Maiduguri Blasts: Northern Governors’ Chairman  Condemns Attack, Calls for Unity Against Terror

 By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has condemned the deadly explosions that struck Maiduguri on Monday evening, describing them as heinous and barbaric attacks on innocent civilians.

According to a statement issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe State Government House, the incidents have raised serious concern across the region.

The explosions occurred almost simultaneously at three locations, namely the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Monday Market Roundabout, and the Post Office area. Several people are feared dead as a result of the explosions, while many others sustained injuries.

In his capacity as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Inuwa Yahaya expressed deep sorrow over the tragic development. He also extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Borno State, particularly families who lost their loved ones.

Furthermore, the governor described the attack as a cruel attempt to spread fear and undermine the fragile peace in the Northeast.

“This senseless act of violence is reprehensible. It is a calculated attempt to instill fear and disrupt ongoing recovery efforts. Therefore, we must condemn it in the strongest terms,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the governor sympathised with victims who were currently receiving treatment in hospitals and prayed for their speedy recovery. In addition, he commended emergency responders for their swift and coordinated intervention.

He equally praised security agencies for acting promptly to contain the situation and manage the aftermath effectively.

Beyond that, Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed the commitment of northern governors to addressing insecurity across the region. He noted that they would continue to collaborate closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to defeat terrorism and other forms of criminality.

He also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant. More importantly, he encouraged the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information.

“Now, more than ever, we must stand united against terror. Indeed, our resolve to secure the region remains strong, and together we will overcome these cowardly acts,” he added.

Finally, the governor prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks. He also called for intensified efforts to ensure that those responsible are swiftly identified and brought to justice.

APC Chairman Urges Peaceful Celebrations, Calls for Reflection During Lent, Ramadan

By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Hon. Mohammed Dantata Ndus, has called on adherents of major religions in the state to embrace peaceful and prayerful celebrations as the Christian Lenten season coincides with the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan.

Ndus made the appeal on Monday while speaking with journalists in his office in Gombe.

He urged residents to use the sacred period for sober reflection, stressing the importance of religious tolerance, unity, and compassion among the people.

The APC chairman also congratulated the Muslim Ummah for successful observance of the Ramadan fast and extended goodwill to Christians observing the Lenten season, noting that both periods emphasise spiritual renewal, sacrifice, and acts of charity.

According to him, the season should encourage individuals to demonstrate love, support the needy and vulnerable, and strengthen bonds within communities.

Ndus further called on aspirants and party members preparing for the forthcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress to conduct themselves with decorum and adhere to the principles of internal democracy.

He also urged citizens to pray for the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as well as for the leadership of the APC and the progress of Nigeria.

The chairman expressed optimism that with collective prayers and responsible conduct by political actors and citizens alike, the state and the nation would continue to experience peace, stability, and development.