United Nations Childrens’ Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with Bauchi State Television (BATV) on Thursday organised a one-day training on issues of ethical reporting on children in Internally Displaced Persons’ camps
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 40 journalists participated in the training.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Abdulai Kaikai, urged the participants to report children issues within the framework of the existing laws.
“Make case for children but it should be done within the frame of law of the nation, and as journalists, you should also observe, taking into consideration, the good things.
“UNICEF in Nigeria is to support the government’plan by providing expertise, funds and sharing advice for proper implementation of policies for the benefits of citizens.
“We are more concerned with the healthcare and education of the children; also make sure partners’ interventions are well utilised,’’ he said.
In his contribution, Mr Samuel Kaalu, the UNICEF Communication Specialist in Bauchi Field Office, called on participants to adhere to the ethics of reporting, as well as abide by the code of professional conduct.
He advised them to eschew stereotype and sensationalism in writing stories about children and issues related to their well-being.
A participant, Mrs Fibi Kafi of the Bauchi State Television (BATV), told NAN that the training had sensitized her adequately on the basics of writing reports on children as well as the use of their pictures.
Other participants, Mr Paul Orude of the Sun newspaper and Mr Haruna Gimba of Daily Trust, said that the training had equipped them on how to report stories on minors, especially children in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps.
NAN also reports that participants were drawn from Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa and Plateau States. (NAN)