NGOs train journalists on safe reporting of trauma, suicide cases

Idimma Health Initiative and Child Solidarity Group have organised a workshop for journalists on how to professionally report trauma and suicide-related experiences.

The three-day workshop, which was held between Thursday and Saturday took place in the Ikeja area of Lagos state.

Over 43 journalists participated in the workshop supported by the United States consulate in Nigeria

Speaking on the essence of the workshop, Aisha Bubah, the founder of Idimma Health Initiative, said training journalists on safe reporting would help to reduce the stigmatisation attached to mental health-related issues.

Bubah said mental health is a very sensitive issue that is often neglected in the country.

She added that the training has equipped journalists with the knowledge of how to hold policymakers accountable.

“We also believe that this training will help journalists to know how to take care of their mental health because they are often exposed to secondary traumas in their daily reporting of issues in society,” she said.

Also speaking, Emediong Akpabio, founder of Child Solidarity Group, said the motive behind the training was to promote safe reporting of suicide, trauma, and issues affecting women and children.

Akpabio said journalists must abide by the principles of safe reporting while handling issues of mental health, suicide, and trauma.

Gilbert Morton, spokesperson for the United States mission in Nigeria said the consulate was excited to have supported the organisers to train journalists on the “most difficult topics” in the society.

Morton commended the organisers for working towards improving the skills of journalists in the area of mental health reporting.