Ogun Journalists Trained on Rights-Based Reporting, Strategic Communication for Judicial Coverage

Journalists drawn from different media organizations in Ogun State have been trained on Rights-Based Reporting and Strategic Communication for judicial reporters, as part of efforts to strengthen ethical, accurate, and people-centered coverage of justice and legal issues in the state.

The training programme brought together journalists covering the judiciary, human rights, and legal affairs from print, broadcast, and online media platforms. It was designed to deepen their understanding of court processes and equip them with practical skills for reporting judicial matters in ways that promote justice, accountability, and respect for fundamental human rights.

Welcoming participants, Isesh Sor, who spoke on behalf of the President, Dr. Rommy Mom, underscored the importance of responsible judicial reporting in strengthening democracy and the rule of law. She urged journalists to see themselves as partners in justice delivery, noting that “rights-based reporting is not just a professional obligation but a moral duty to ensure fairness, accountability, and respect for human dignity in our society.”

Barrister Bamidele Jacobs, Director of Legal at Lawyers Alert, stressed that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of the justice system. He emphasized the need for fairness, balance, and accuracy in reporting court cases, warning against sensationalism and prejudicial reporting. According to him, “judicial reporting requires extra caution because what you publish can affect lives, influence public opinion, and even impact the outcome of cases.”

Participants were trained on the principles of rights-based reporting, including respect for human dignity, protection of vulnerable persons such as women, children, and persons with disabilities, reporting on safe termination of pregnancy, and the ethical handling of sensitive information. Facilitators noted that journalists must always consider the rights of suspects, victims, and witnesses, especially in cases that are still before the courts.

The session on strategic communication focused on helping journalists translate complex legal language into simple, clear, and accurate stories for the public. Journalists were guided on effective story framing, headline writing, and the responsible use of sources. Barrister Jacobs noted that “good judicial reporting is not about breaking news first, but about getting the facts right and helping the public understand what the law says.”

Reacting to the training, Gift Oba, a judicial correspondent, described the programme as timely and impactful. “This training has broadened my understanding of rights-based reporting and reminded me of the responsibility we carry as journalists. I now have better tools to report court cases without violating people’s rights,” he said. Another participant, Miram Usman, added, “the discussions on protecting vulnerable groups and avoiding trial-by-media were very enlightening. It will definitely influence how I write my stories going forward.”

Other participants also commended the Lawyers' Alert for the initiative. A journalist, Olufemi Olusola Taiwo, noted that “the practical examples shared during the training made it easier to understand how to apply rights-based reporting in real court situations.