The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation have called on journalists to uphold ethics and sensitivity when reporting issues relating to children and their rights.

Speaking at a two-day training programme organised by the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the ministry, in collaboration with UNICEF, in Ibadan, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, urged media practitioners to ensure that reports about children are presented with dignity and respect.

Delivering a speech titled “Why Ethical Reporting of Children Matters in Nigeria”, Lafoucriere said journalists have a duty to protect the most vulnerable by ensuring that stories about children are told responsibly and without harm.

“Ethical journalism builds trust. In a world where misinformation spreads rapidly, your commitment to truth, fairness, and balance is what sets you apart. When you report responsibly, you become a trusted source of information. You help communities understand, heal, and grow,” she said.

She explained that children affected by violence, conflict, and abuse must be reported with utmost care, adding that responsible coverage helps shape how society perceives children—and how children see themselves.
“Choosing to report ethically,” she added, “helps build a nation where every child is valued, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.”

UNICEF Communication Specialist, Susan Akila, described the workshop as both a refresher and a call to action to ensure every story about a child in Nigeria reflects truth, respect, and a firm commitment to their rights.

Also speaking, Geoffrey Njoku, a communication consultant, traced the evolution of children’s rights from international declarations to Nigeria’s domestication of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) through the Child’s Rights Act (CRA) of 2003.

He urged journalists to always prioritise the interests of children and respect their views, commending Lagos State for its progress in promoting child rights.

“Do not harm any child. Avoid questions, attitudes, or comments that are judgmental or insensitive, that place a child in danger or expose them to humiliation, or that reawaken pain from traumatic experiences,” he cautioned.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Toye Falayi of CRIB said the training was aimed at helping journalists reflect on their ethical obligations and embrace best practices in child-focused reporting.

“When it comes to stories involving children, that responsibility becomes even greater. Every image, every word, and every frame we publish can have lasting consequences on a child’s life, safety, and future,” he stated.

A researcher, Jude Johnson, highlighted the challenges facing many Nigerian children, including early marriage, female genital cutting, rape, child trafficking, child labour, sexual exploitation, war, discrimination, disability, neglect, and displacement.

In her remarks, UNICEF Communication Officer, Blessing Ejiofor, urged all stakeholders to use their platforms to promote positive change that improves the lives of children and their families.

“As champions of human rights, we all have a responsibility to prioritise and promote the change that will improve the lives of children and their families through our channels and networks,” she said.

By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi

In a bid to boost cross-border trade and promote market growth across West Africa, the Federal Government has urged business owners in Nigeria’s Southeast to take advantage of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

The scheme targets micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large-scale manufacturers, providing duty-free access to markets in 12 ECOWAS member states.

Speaking during a one-day sensitisation workshop on Tuesday in Enugu, Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the scheme facilitates the free movement of goods produced within ECOWAS countries without customs duties.

However, he clarified that the initiative strictly prohibits the re-exportation of foreign goods.

“We don’t want a situation where imports from China are re-exported. Only products genuinely made in Nigeria are eligible,” he stated.

Awe described the ETLS as one of the foundational treaties of ECOWAS, established in 1975 to ensure the free movement of goods and services and to foster regional prosperity through economic integration.

He stressed that businesses must undergo a formal registration process to benefit from the scheme. To qualify, business owners are required to submit samples of their products for evaluation by the National Approval Committee, which comprises representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC, Customs, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Export Group, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Following this, a factory inspection is conducted to confirm that the products are genuinely Nigerian-made.

The Federal Government has continued to intensify efforts to promote the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme across the country by organising workshops to educate business owners on participation and to help them expand their market reach within the West African region.

By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Federal Government is currently reviewing citizenship applications from 170 foreign nationals.

The minister made the announcement on X ‘formerly known as Twitter’ through his social media handle @Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at midnight.

Olubunmi said the Citizenship Advisory Committee was responsible for reviewing and recommending citizenship applications for President Bola Tinubu’s approval.

“We understand that the exercise is a test of our integrity as leaders and we will ensure to uphold the trust placed on us by the nation.

“Citizenship of the biggest black nation on earth is a valuable asset that requires careful consideration.

“We hereby assure Nigerians that we will prioritise integrity and proven character above all else,” he said.

The minister stated that the committee comprised top officials from key government bodies: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of State Security, and Nigeria Immigration Service.

“Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to do everything to make our beloved country a prosperous nation and a destination of interest for all,” he said.