Amnesty International, a Human Rights campaign organization, has empowered Southwest Media Practitioners from Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Oyo States with the knowledge, tools and strategies essential for promoting human rights.
The organisation also clarified that its mission in Nigeria is not to antagonize any government but to fight human rights violations.
The representative of the organization, Anne Chukwunwike disclosed this at a two-day capacity-building workshop themed “Strengthening Human Rights Reporting in the Southwest”, for journalists from Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Oyo States, held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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According to her, the training was designed to equip media professionals with tools, knowledge and strategies to strengthen human rights reporting in the region.
She said, “We are not fighting the government. Our focus is to protect the rights of Nigerians and ensure justice is served. We rely on research and advocacy to advance human rights and we believe the media plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of the oppressed”.
Also speaking, the Social Media Communications Officer of Amnesty International, Michael Christian described the media as a powerful agent of social change with the capacity to shape public discourse, expose violations and hold duty bearers accountable.
Christian urged journalists to report human rights issues responsibly and ethically, stressing that their reports could influence policy and drive systemic reforms.
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In his session, Fisayo Soyombo, who spoke on “Investigative Journalism in a Climate of Impunity,” shared personal experiences and the risks associated with uncovering human rights abuses in Nigeria, urging reporters to remain courageous and committed to truth.
Richard Akinnola stressed the importance of fact-checking and in-depth investigation when reporting human rights issues, while Kabiru Danladi cautioned journalists against indulging in gratification journalism.
