NEWS
UNICEF, CRIB Organize Two-day Training Workshop for Journalists, Media Practitioners
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
As part of it efforts to keep the Media Practitioners abreast with the day to day reportage of children rights and giving them voice in the society, a two-day Training for Media Practitioners on Ethical Journalism And Child Rights Reporting was put together by the United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (NOA) to retrain journalists and media practitioners on child rights reporting.
The event which took place at Golden Tulip Dome Portharcourt in Rivers state, had in attendance journalists and media practitioners from the North Central, South South and South East.
In his remark, the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi said, the media holds immense power in shaping the society, saying the media holds the power to inform, to inspire, and to hold institutions accountable.
The Minister who was represented by Falayi Temitoye an Assistant Director/ Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said, but with that power comes a profound responsibility to report with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for human dignity.
In his keynote address, Dr. Anslem Audu, Chief Field Office, UNICEF Port Harcourt said, the Power of Media in Shaping Children’s Lives cannot be overemphasized. He emphasized the critical role journalists play in shaping public perception and influencing the well-being of children in Nigeria.
According to him, the media has the power to amplify the voices of children, highlight their struggles, and bring attention to issues that affect their well-being. “However, with this power comes great responsibility.
“The way we report on children, and their stories can have a lasting impact on their lives”. Why Ethical Reporting Matters, why does Ethical Reporting of children matter? Let me share a few reasons: The first reason is that Ethical Reporting Builds Trust and Heals Division.
“In a nation or society with diverse ethnicities, religions, and perspectives, the media is the glue that can hold people together—or the wedge that can drive them apart. Ethical journalism, characterized by accuracy, fairness, and balance, is the antidote to misinformation and hate speech.
“When you verify a fact before publishing, when you present multiple sides of a story, you are not just being professional; you are building a foundation of trust with your audience. In the fragile context of northwest Nigeria, where insecurity and tension exist, responsible reporting can cool tempers, promote dialogue, and foster peace. At the same time, Irresponsible reporting can inflame passions with devastating consequences.
“The 2nd reason is that Ethical Reporting Protects the Vulnerable, especially Children. This is a point close to my heart and the work of our organization. UNICEF! Children are not miniature adults. They are vulnerable, their minds are impressionable, and their futures are shaped by how we represent them.
“Ethical reporting means protecting their identity. It means never publishing a child’s name or image in a way that would stigmatize them, expose them to retaliation, or re-traumatize them—especially children affected by violence, conflict, or abuse. It means giving them a voice, not speaking for them. It involves interviewing children with dignity and consent, allowing them to share their experiences in a safe and respectful manner.
“I urge you to: Prioritize children’s best interests: Ensure that your reporting does not harm or exploit children. Seek out diverse perspectives: Include children’s voices and experiences in your reporting. Report with empathy and accuracy: Balance your reporting with sensitivity and fact-based information.
“Therefore, as you engage in these two days of training, I urge you to see it not as a critique, but as an empowerment to: Be a stickler for fact-checking. In the race to break news, let accuracy be your compass. Always ask yourself: “Am I protecting the vulnerable in this story?” Let the best interests of the child be a non-negotiable principle. Balance your stories. Seek out multiple perspectives to give your audience a complete picture. Hold each other accountable. Champion ethics within your newsrooms and among your peers.
“Ethical reporting on children is not just a moral imperative; it’s a professional obligation. By working together, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for Nigeria’s children to thrive. Thank you for your dedication to responsible journalism. I look forward to our discussions and collaborations in the days ahead”.
The Lagos State Government has reassured the residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property as well as quick and efficient emergency response.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the reassurance following the fall of a tanker and spilling of its content on Monday morning at the Liverpool Bridge/Tincan Island area of Apapa.
The incident led to safety concerns.
The tanker laden with diesel overturned on the bridge, inward Mile 2, spilling its content.
The incident caused gridlock on the busy corridor.
Sanwo-Olu said that relevant emergency and safety agencies were actively managing the situation to prevent further risks to Lagos residents and infrastructure.
He said the government would not relent until the affected areas would be fully secure and declared safe for normal activities.
”First responders have cordoned off the spot.
”Of recent, we had a fire outbreak at the GNI building. We are still trying to make a headway, and now this,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said that the incident underscored the need for collective vigilance and adherence to safety regulations, particularly in transport and handling of petroleum products.
” We need to do better as residents. As individuals, you are responsible for your safety first, ” Sanwo-Olu said.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to strengthen enforcement and emergency response mechanisms to minimise similar occurrences.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, in a statement signed by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, also said that the tanker was leaking fuel and that emergency responders had been deployed to the scene.
“Our attention has been brought to a fallen tanker at the above location, which is leaking fuel.
“All emergency responses have been activated and responders are en route to the location,” the statement read.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara Command, has commissioned a new divisional office in Epe-Opin, Ekiti LGA, to curb rising insecurity.
Commandant, Umar Mohammed, on Monday said the commissioning was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community safety and enhance the corps’ operational reach across the state.
He explained that increasing security concerns made upgrading the former outpost to a fully functional divisional command imperative for effective crime prevention.
“The new division stands as a strategic investment in the safety of our people,” Umar said, adding it ensures rapid response and deters criminal activities.
“It strengthens our capacity to prevent crime, respond promptly, and guarantee peace remains non-negotiable in all communities under our watch,” he emphasised.
The commandant praised Ekiti Local Government Chairman, Mr Awelewa Olawale-Gabriel, for his unwavering support and commitment to local security initiatives.
He noted the Chairman’s cooperation reflects a shared understanding that safeguarding communities is a collective responsibility.
In his remarks, Olawale-Gabriel commended NSCDC leadership for prioritising the safety of Ekiti communities and assured continued support for peace-promoting initiatives.
Oba Alabi Gabriel-Odeniyi, Elepe of Epe-Opin, applauded the NSCDC for its tireless security efforts, noting the fully operational division will strengthen traditional collaboration with the corps.
Similarly, Kwara State APC Chairman, Sunday Adeniran-Fagbemi, described the development as timely, emphasising it will deter crime and build public confidence in government protection.
FairMoney Pays N7bn Interest, Loan Disbursements Hit N150bn
FairMoney Microfinance Bank has said it paid over N7bn in interest to savings customers, while loan disbursements exceeded N150bn in 2025.
The Managing Director, Henry Obiekea, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday.
Obiekea said the milestones reflected the bank’s commitment to expanding access to finance and strengthening Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
He said FairMoney began operations in 2021 as a digital lending platform before evolving into a fully licensed microfinance bank.
According to him, the bank now offers savings, fixed deposit and current accounts, debit cards and Point of Sale solutions for businesses.
“FairMoney’s operations are focused on driving financial inclusion through technology and competitive pricing,” Obiekea said.
He said the bank leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse financial data and generate credit scores for fast, collateral-free loans.
According to him, this approach enables FairMoney to assess creditworthiness beyond traditional banking models.
Obiekea said the bank operates under Central Bank of Nigeria regulation, with customer deposits insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.
He added that FairMoney also complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.
Obiekea said the bank supported Nigeria’s digital payments growth in 2025, aligned with the CBN’s Payment Systems Vision 2025.
He said this was achieved by facilitating loan disbursements and savings interest payments through electronic channels.
“As we move into 2026, we remain committed to financial inclusion, consumer confidence and supporting Nigeria’s financial sector,” Obiekea said. (NAN)
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