Dutse, Jigawa State, March 26, 2026
Media practitioners in Kano and Jigawa States have been urged to embrace ethical journalism, as a tool for safeguarding children’s rights, strengthening public trust, and promoting peace in society.
The call was made by Dr Karanveer Singh, Officer-in-Charge and Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kano, in a keynote address at a two-day training on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights held in Dutse on March 25, 2026.
Addressing the journalists, Dr Singh commended media practitioners for their resilience and dedication in operating within challenging environments, often at personal risk.
He described journalism not merely as a profession but as an essential service to democracy and community development.
He stressed that ethical reporting, particularly on children, is fundamental to building a cohesive and functional society, noting that the media plays a decisive role in either fostering unity or deepening divisions.
According to him, “responsible journalism anchored on accuracy, fairness, and balance helps combat misinformation and hate speech, especially in fragile regions facing insecurity.”
He thus warned that while ethical reporting can calm tensions and encourage dialogue, irresponsible reporting could inflame conflicts with far-reaching consequences.
Focusing on child protection, the UNICEF official emphasized that children are particularly vulnerable and require careful handling in media coverage.
He however, urged journalists to avoid exposing children’s identities in sensitive situations, especially victims of violence, abuse, or conflict, to prevent stigma, retaliation, or further trauma.
“Children are not miniature adults,” he noted, adding that ethical reporting demands respect for their dignity, consent, and best interests at all times.
Singh encouraged journalists, to give children a voice in a safe and respectful manner, rather than speaking for them or exploiting their experiences.
He illustrated the dangers of unethical reporting through practical scenarios, including the identification of survivors of abuse, use of graphic content, and intrusive interviews with traumatized children.
He further explained that such practices could lead to long-term psychological harm, social stigmatization, and re-traumatization of victims.
Highlighting that maintaining high ethical standards enhances the credibility and professionalism of journalists, he stressed that its important in an era dominated by unverified information and “citizen journalism.”
He described integrity as the most valuable asset for media practitioners seeking to build public trust.
Acknowledging the pressures faced by journalists, including security risks and political influence, Dr Singh urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and ethical standards, describing such dedication as an act of patriotism.
He also challenged media professionals to take a more proactive role in advancing child rights by setting the agenda on issues of child survival, development, protection, and well-being.
He called on journalists to hold political actors accountable, particularly as Nigeria approaches future elections, by tracking commitments and demanding results on child-focused policies.
As the training progresses, participants were encouraged to prioritize fact-checking, ensure balanced reporting, protect vulnerable groups, and uphold accountability within their newsrooms.
Dr Singh concluded by urging journalists to shape a more hopeful narrative for northwest Nigeria, one that reflects resilience, community strength, and opportunities for children, through responsible and ethical storytelling.
