Amnesty International Nigeria has organised a capacity-building workshop for journalists to enhance their knowledge of press freedom, media law, gender-responsive reporting, safety under threat, and ethical journalism.
The training, which focuses on promoting human rights-centred reporting, is taking place at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Amnesty International Nigeria Officer in charge of Media and Communication, Michael Christian, said the training aims to strengthen journalists’ ability to effectively report human rights issues.
“The essence of this training is to ensure journalists are better equipped to report human rights cases accurately and professionally,” Christian said.
One of the resource persons, Professor Chijioke Agbo, who lectured on Freedom of Speech, highlighted the essential role of the press in democracy.
Agbo noted that the media informs, educates, and entertains the public, serves as a platform for public opinion, and acts as a watchdog over those in power.
Another facilitator, Barrister Anne Agi, who spoke on Journalism with a Gender Lens: Protecting Lives, Shaping Narratives, emphasised the need for gender-sensitive reporting and newsroom culture.
Agi urged media organisations to institutionalise gender pillars, train editors as well as reporters, support female journalists in leadership roles, create gender-focused reporting awards, and leverage digital platforms to amplify under-reported gender issues.
“The most transformative change comes when the newsroom itself models equality,” she said.
John Omilabu, a resource person on Reporting Under Threat, discussed digital safety and practical protection strategies for journalists, noting that online threats are increasingly common as media work becomes more technology-driven.
Also speaking, Dr. Kabiru Danlandi lectured on Applying Media Ethics in Daily Practice, urging journalists to adhere strictly to professional codes of conduct in their reportage.
In her closing remarks, Zainab Okino stated that digital media has transformed reporting and activism through its speed and accessibility, even though it presents ethical and professional challenges.
The training is held under the theme “Journalism Is Not a Crime.”