Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Atiku Galadima
Published on 2024-03-05 06:14:07
The Borno state government, in collaboration with the NGO ‘I Concept Dot Net’ based in Maiduguri, has called on journalists in the state to help raise awareness about the child protection law and make it more widely known among the populace. This initiative was launched during a 3-day sensitisation programme held at Unimaid Conference Centre in Maiduguri, with the theme ‘A strategic sensitisation engagement with stakeholders in Borno on the Borno Child Protection Law’. The commissioner of justice, Barr. Hauwa Abubakar, highlighted the fact that Borno has enacted over 30 child protection laws and emphasized the importance of journalists in disseminating information about these laws to the public.
The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the significance of the child protection law and how journalists can effectively communicate its provisions through news coverage and programs. Barr. Hauwa Abubakar stressed that journalists have the power to educate the public about the law and contribute to the fight against child labor, sexual abuse, and violence towards children. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Garba Chibok, emphasized the role of the media in sensitizing people about the child protection law to ensure that children have access to education, healthcare, and protection from all forms of violence and abuse.
The convener of the workshop, Prof. Nassir Abba’aji, acknowledged the pivotal role of journalists as agenda setters and emphasized the need for them to educate the public about the importance of the child protection law. He highlighted the importance of investigative journalism in addressing issues of child abuse and violations of the law, emphasizing that journalists are crucial in advocating for the protection of children’s interests. The workshop aimed to draw the attention of media workers and journalists to the importance of their participation in enforcing the child protection law.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council, Comrade Dauda Iliya, reiterated the role of the mass media in holding government accountable and setting the agenda for effective policy implementation. He pledged that journalists in the state would prioritize reporting on the welfare and needs of children, working closely with government, NGOs, and other stakeholders to reduce cases of child abuse and ensure the well-being of children in Borno State. Iliya emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by children and making them productive members of society.
In conclusion, the workshop served as a platform for journalists to engage with the child protection law and understand their role in advocating for the rights and welfare of children in Borno State. Through effective communication and media coverage, journalists can play a significant role in promoting the implementation of the law and safeguarding the well-being of children in the state.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
