Foreign
CANADA’S High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, has urged journalists in the country to ensure accurate, ethical and responsible reporting to protect the Nigerian child against online and physical violence.
He made the call at the opening of a five-day workshop on the “Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Conflict/Violence” in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop is organised by the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights, and the Canadian Embassy.
Salvaggio, who was represented by Counsellor Political, Omar Alihashi, urged media practitioners to draw public attention to the experiences of affected communities, and contribute to informed public dialogue.
“Children affected by conflict face profound challenges. Beyond the immediate dangers of violence, recruitment into armed groups can have lasting consequences for their education, wellbeing, opportunities, and future.
“Addressing these challenges requires the efforts of governments, communities, civil society, security actors, and the media. Journalists play a particularly important role,” he said.
“Through accurate, ethical and responsible reporting, the media can help raise awareness, amplify evidence-based information, bring attention to the experiences of affected communities, and contribute to informed public dialogue.
“At the same time, reporting on these issues requires sensitivity, professionalism, and a strong understanding of the rights and dignity of children,” he added.
Salvaggio said that Canada remained committed to supporting international efforts to protect children affected by armed conflict and to advance the principles reflected in the Vancouver Principles.
He said that prevention, partnership, and knowledge-sharing were essential to building safer and more resilient communities.
He urged the workshop participants to strengthen understanding, share expertise, and explore how reporting could contribute to protecting children and supporting broader peace and security efforts.
The envoy said that the knowledge, networks, and insights gained at the workshop had the potential to extend and contribute to meaningful change in communities across Nigeria.
The Country Rep of Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security in Nigeria, Mrs Offiong Nsa, said that journalists were not merely reporters of conflicts.
According to her, journalists are powerful human rights defenders, who advocate ethical, child-centred reporting, exposing the hidden recruitment networks and the realities of children in armed violence.
She tasked journalists on child rights advocacy to draw the attention of governments to take necessary actions.
The Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, described children as the most vulnerable citizens and the most precious resource.
She, however, noted that boys and girls continued to be exposed to extreme danger, coerced, manipulated, or forced into armed groups, criminal networks, or violent activities, online and offline.
According to her, its devastating consequences include loss of childhood, interrupted education, trauma, and long-term damage to individuals and society.
“The media has a central role to play in addressing this crisis. As journalists, we shape public awareness, influence policy debates, and hold institutions accountable.
“We can help prevent recruitment by telling accurate, sensitive stories that highlight root causes such as poverty, lack of education, family breakdown, and social marginalisation.
“Avoiding sensationalism that glamorisee armed groups or expose the identities of victims and their families,” she said.
She admonished journalists to amplify the voices of survivors, caregivers, and community leaders, who are working to protect children.
Ike also urged policymakers and security officials to strengthen and enforce laws that prohibit child recruitment, investment in child protection services; and ensure security operations respect the rights of children.
(NAN)
W.U
June 9, 2026
Tags: Mrs Offiong Nsa Ms Grace Ike Omar Alihashi Pasquale Salvaggio