Headlines
UNICEF urges ethical reporting to protect children, promote trust
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Media practitioners in Kano and Jigawa States have been urged to uphold ethical standards in reporting, particularly on issues involving children, to safeguard their dignity and promote societal trust.
KANO FOCUS reports that this call was made by Dr. Karanveer Singh, Officer-in-Charge and Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kano, during a keynote address at a training on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights held in Dutse on Wednesday.
Addressing participants, Dr. Singh commended journalists in the region for their dedication, noting that they often operate under challenging conditions to inform the public. He described journalism as a vital service to democracy and community development.
Dr. Karanveer Singh
He stressed that ethical reporting of children is not merely a workshop theme but a fundamental pillar for building a responsible society, especially in regions facing insecurity and social tensions.
According to him, ethical journalism fosters trust and helps bridge divisions in diverse societies. He explained that accurate, fair and balanced reporting can counter misinformation and hate speech, while irresponsible journalism could inflame tensions and worsen conflicts.
Dr. Singh also emphasised the need to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children, noting that they are highly impressionable and easily affected by how they are portrayed in the media.
A Cross Section of the Participants
“Children are not miniature adults. Ethical reporting requires protecting their identity, ensuring their dignity, and prioritising their best interests at all times,” he said.
He warned against practices such as publishing identifiable details of child victims, using graphic images, or conducting exploitative interviews, stressing that such actions could cause long-term psychological harm and social stigma.
The UNICEF official highlighted that ethical journalism enhances credibility and professionalism, especially in an era dominated by unverified information on social media. He urged media practitioners to distinguish themselves through integrity and adherence to professional standards.
A Cross Section of the Participants at the training
While acknowledging the pressures journalists face, including security risks and political influence, he urged them to remain committed to truth, fairness and responsibility.
Dr. Singh further called on journalists to play an active role in promoting child rights by prioritising issues such as child protection, education, and wellbeing in their reporting.
He also challenged the media to hold political leaders accountable on child-focused policies, particularly as Nigeria prepares for future elections.
“The choices journalists make every day—what to report, how to report it, and whom to protect—will shape the future of this region and its children,” he said.
The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners to report responsibly on child-related issues while promoting ethical standards in journalism across Kano and Jigawa States.
A Cross section of the participants at the training
Rano urges journalists to uphold ethics in child rights reporting
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of Radio Kano, Comrade Abubakar Adamu Rano, the station’s UNICEF Focal Person, Mustapha Ahmad Sani, emphasised the critical role journalists play in shaping public opinion and influencing government policies.
Sani, who conveyed the goodwill message of the Managing Director, expressed appreciation to UNICEF for organising the training and commended the resource persons for their commitment to knowledge sharing.
He noted that journalism carries significant responsibility, particularly when reporting on children, who are among the most vulnerable members of society.
“Children need protection, and careless reporting can harm their dignity, expose their identity, or create stigma. However, responsible reporting can safeguard their rights and contribute to building a better society,” he said.
He described the training as timely and essential, urging participants to take full advantage of the sessions by engaging actively, asking questions, and learning from one another.
The training, facilitated by seasoned experts including Dr. Jide Johnson, Jumoke Falayi, and Mr. Lekan Sote, is aimed at strengthening journalists’ capacity to report child-related issues ethically and responsibly.
Participants drawn from various media organisations across Kano and Jigawa States are expected to gain practical insights into best practices in child rights reporting.
Sani concluded by wishing the participants a productive and successful training on behalf of the management of Radio Kano.
In a presentation titled Ethical Principles in Reporting Children’s Issues, UNICEF Kano Communications Specialist, Samuel Kaalu, stated that countries that are signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child are legally bound to implement its provisions, which are monitored by the Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Mr. Samuel Kaalu
Kaalu outlined four guiding principles of the convention: non-discrimination; the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival, and development; and respect for the views of the child.
In her presentation, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, Jumoke Falayi, discussed the considerations and challenges of reporting on children across television, radio, digital media, and social media platforms.
Another facilitator, Dr. Jide Johnson, described the media as a protector—not a violator—of children’s rights.
Mr. Lekan Sote, in his presentation, highlighted when journalists should report issues concerning children and when they should refrain, placing strong emphasis on the choice of words used in reporting, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop was designed to strengthen ethical journalism principles, reduce sensationalism, and curb the spread of misinformation in the reporting of incidents involving children.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
Tsakuwa community honours teacher, Nupe man, nine others for development efforts
NCC moves to protect smaller telecom operators, releases draft MVNO business rules
Kano health journalists launch Network to strengthen health reporting, advocacy
NDC House of Representatives aspirant defects to APC in Kano
2027: I will continue distributing job opportunities, says Goro
AGILE Project: Kano awards ₦23.1bn contract for construction of 49 new secondary schools
K-SAFE Co-Chair wins Malala Fund-supported research grant on girls’ education
Max Air reschedules departure date for Kano pilgrims’ Hajj airlift
KASITDA moves to digitise Kano health sector
