The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged journalists in Nigeria to uphold the highest ethical standards in reporting child-related issues.
The agency emphasized that responsible storytelling is vital to the protection, dignity, and development of the Nigerian child.
UNICEF’s Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, gave the charge during a two-day training on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights Reporting held in Ibadan from October 27–28.
Journalists attend a UNICEF training on ethical journalism and child rights reporting in Ibadan, Oyo State
“When journalists report responsibly, they protect children, build trust, and help communities heal.”
Lafoucriere described ethical reporting as both a professional and moral duty. “Every child has the right to be seen, heard, and protected,” she said.
She stressed that journalists have the power to shape the future through their stories.
“The way we report on children today determines the society we build tomorrow. Ethical reporting means choosing protection, dignity, and a better future for every Nigerian child,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, said journalists play a major role in shaping public attitudes toward children.
He noted that the Child Rights Act has been adopted by 33 states but urged more efforts to protect children nationwide.
UNICEF Child Rights Expert, Mr. Jide Johnson, identified challenges affecting children, including early marriage, trafficking, rape, and female genital mutilation (FGM).
He said ethical reporting can help expose and prevent such abuses.UNICEF Communication Consultant, Dr. Geoffrey Njoku, traced the evolution of child rights from the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Nigeria in 1991.
He said journalists must act as watchdogs, ensuring accountability and implementation of child protection laws.
Experts at the event urged media organizations to create editorial guidelines for child-focused stories and train reporters regularly. They also called for stronger collaboration between government, media, and civil society to promote child-sensitive journalism across Nigeria.