The Initiative to Resist Institutional Slavery and Exploitation (IRISE) recently conducted a two-day capacity-building workshop for Nigerian journalists, focusing on rights-based and evidence-driven reporting in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Held at the Perfecto La Villa Hotel, the training aimed to equip media professionals with the skills to cover sensitive topics—such as abortion and sexual violence—accurately and without stigma.
A key takeaway from the workshop was the media’s powerful role in shaping public understanding of health policies. Facilitators highlighted the 2022 Safe Termination of Pregnancy guidelines introduced by the Lagos State Government as a case study. Widespread public misunderstanding, partly fueled by media framing, led to the suspension of the guidelines shortly after their announcement.
This training comes at a time of heightened political tension. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Tinubu administration of applying selective justice, specifically in legal cases involving former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. The ADC’s allegations point to deeper concerns about fairness and transparency within Nigeria’s justice system.
As journalists become better equipped to report on sensitive health issues, the call for balanced and unbiased coverage extends to political and legal matters. Informed journalism remains essential in fostering public trust and driving meaningful policy discussions in Nigeria.
