By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has raised concern over the increasing number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.
The organisation warned that the situation is negatively affecting children's welfare and access to quality education.
A veteran consultant, Dr. Jide Johnson made the observation during a paper presentation at a media engagement being organized in collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for journalists where he discussed the challenges facing children in communities affected by displacement and poverty.
He stressed the need for urgent action to upgrade public schools as part of efforts to restore the country's declining education standards.
Earlier, the Assistant Director and Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB), ministry of information and national orientation Mr. Falayi Temitoye, welcomed participants to a training on ethical and child rights reporting, emphasizing the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion and protecting vulnerable children.
He noted that while the media has the power to inform and influence society, it also carries a strong responsibility to report with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for children’s dignity.
Falayi explained that the training aims to strengthen journalists’ understanding of ethical standards and child rights laws, while promoting responsible reporting that safeguards children’s identities and well-being.
He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and reaffirm their commitment to ethical journalism that informs, protects, and empowers society.
In her remarks, Sussan Akila on behalf of the UNICEF said the workshop was organised to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report child-related issues and promote responsible media coverage.
She noted that journalists must prioritise the protection of children's rights in their reportage.
Other presentations focused on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the domestication of the Child Rights Act in Nigeria.
The programme brought together 68 journalists and editors from print and electronic media organisations across the North-East and North-Central zones.
Other highlights of the event was a questions and answers session, group work as well as photographs respectively. NNL.
