The WaveMakers Initiative for Health and Youth Empowerment (WIHYE) has trained journalists in Kaduna State on how to report human rights issues responsibly, with a focus on ending discrimination, preventing jungle justice, and improving access to healthcare for vulnerable groups.
The four-day workshop in Kaduna brought together media professionals, human rights advocates, and legal experts to strengthen journalists’ skills in ethical and inclusive reporting.
WIHYE’s Executive Director, Ikeokwu Benneth Nduka, said the training aims to promote fairness and equality through responsible media coverage.
“We want journalists to tell stories that protect human dignity, challenge harmful stereotypes, and ensure that everyone has equal access to healthcare and justice,” he said. He added that journalists influence public opinion and must avoid sensationalism and bias, especially when reporting on vulnerable people.
The Kaduna State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Terngu Gwar, reminded participants that every individual deserves dignity and respect.
“All human beings have fundamental rights that must be protected. Everyone deserves to live with dignity,” he said, thanking the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and security agencies for supporting human rights awareness.
Also speaking, Catherine Ayuba from the Kaduna State AIDS Control Agency encouraged journalists to educate young people on reproductive health. She said many youths face health challenges due to limited access to correct information and preventive services.
Legal Aid Council representative, Barr. Jummai Musa, emphasized that human rights are universal.
“You have rights, and they must be protected. Journalists must help promote fairness and justice for all,” she said.
Chairman of the NUJ Kaduna State Council, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, thanked WIHYE for the training and promised the union’s support in future human-rights and healthcare initiatives.
Participants appreciated the platform for open discussion and learning and pledged to use their media platforms to promote tolerance, fairness, and respect for human dignity.
