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NHRC Advises Media on Reporting of Migration Issues

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NHRC Advises Media on Reporting of Migration Issues

By: Michael Mike

The media has been advised to be cautious in reporting migration issues, ensuring that it is not used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes but rather promote empathy and understanding.

Speaking at a capacity building of the media on human rights based approach to migration and prevention of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in conjunction with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR)
and Protection of Migrants (PROMIS), the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu told journalists at the training that:
“Your reporting can either perpetuate harmful stereotypes or promote empathy and understanding.”

He added that: “We recognize the vital role media plays in shaping policy discourses that affect how people act. Through accurate, sensitive, and solutions-oriented storytelling, you can help dismantle the architecture of human trafficking, challenge xenophobic narratives, and advocate for the rights and dignity of migrants.”

He explained that the training is organized with the following objectives: To enhance understanding on Trafficking in Persons (TiP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SoM) and human rights-based approach to migration; To equip media agencies with the skills and knowledge to report ethically, accurately, and sensitively on issues of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

Ojukwu said: “Migration is a contentious phenomenon that is multifaceted with millions of individuals residing and working in countries outside their own. Migration is inherent right of all human beings and has been in existence for decades, human rights is cross cutting in all migratory movements primarily because human rights are universal, and everyone on the move is entitled to the protection of their rights as guaranteed by National Regional and international laws.

“Migration is complex and often divisive, and negative attitudes towards migrants, coupled with exclusionary practices, have escalated in recent years. With hundreds of thousands of people embarking on unsafe routes each year in search of better opportunities, the need for an in-depth understanding of migration and its connection to human rights has never been greater.”

He further explained that: “The Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) is a conceptual framework aimed at promoting and protecting human rights based on international standards. It puts human rights and corresponding state obligations in policy, empowering migrants in vulnerable situations to participate in decision-making processes and hold duty-bearers accountable. A HRBA to migration prioritizes treating migrants as human beings, underscored by principles of non-discrimination, empowerment, participation, inclusion, and accountability.”

He said: “Media, as a key influencer of public opinion and awareness, plays a crucial role in framing narratives and policy discourses that affect public actions, thoughts, policymaker priorities, and migrant decisions. The media disseminates information while highlighting the challenges, aspirations, and vulnerabilities of migrants, fostering a deeper understanding of migration drivers. This influences public perception and the design of programmes and initiatives by policymakers. Media voices are essential in shaping opinions and exposing human rights violations impacting migrants.

“To understand and report on discriminatory practices and the unequal power distribution underlying trafficking and smuggling of migrants, which maintain impunity for perpetrators and deny justice to victims, it is essential to build media capacity on HRBA to migration. This enables understanding of how human rights violations arise throughout the trafficking cycle and how states’ obligations under international human rights law are engaged.”

On her part, the Senior Human Rights Adviser, Office of the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, Adwoa Kufuor-Owusu said: “Studies show Nigerian media outlets representation of migrants and migrant issues have been patchy.

“Among other challenges, the frequency of newspaper coverage of migrants is often low and that when they are reported, migrants are not quoted or interviewed. Journalists often rely heavily on government sources. There is also little attention given to why migrants were migrating in the first place.”

She lamented that often migrants are described in reports as “returnees”, “evacuees”, “stranded Nigerians abroad”, or “illegal migrants” without contextualisation, adding that: “Migrants are portrayed as vulnerable or stranded individuals in need of rescue or intervention.”

She told the journalists that: “Throughout the two days, you will hear about migration terminology, gender-sensitive reporting, ethical photojournalism, and reporting vulnerable sources of information, all forming the basis of human-rights based approach. OHCHR and the UN system as a whole have resources that can assist you in taking this workshop forward and broaden coverage and news content related to migration.”

NHRC Advises Media on Reporting of Migration Issues

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2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election

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2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election

Yamaltu/Deba constituents have declared support for President Bola Tinubu and Senator Danjuma Goje’s re-election ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Dr Newton Moses, declared the support in a statement read on behalf of the people of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State on Friday in Gombe.

Moses said voting for experienced leaders in 2027 remained key to addressing Nigeria’s challenges and delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

He said the group’s decision to support Tinubu and Goje was guided by patriotism, and a sincere desire to see competent, and result-driven leadership that would benefit their constituents and the country.

He said that Goje’s leadership in the past 16 years at the Senate has benefitted the constituents and given effective representation to the people of Akko and Yamaltu/Deba LGAs that make up the district.

He dismissed allegations that the people of Yamaltu/Deba have been marginalised and were demanding the seat to be zoned to Yamaltu/Deba and not Akko where Goje is from.

He said that the constitution did not impose any zoning limitation or tenure restriction on membership in the National Assembly, hence urged those seeking the seat to test their popularity through election.

“We are not part of that group saying Goje should not return to the senate in 2027; that is not the voice of the grassroots from Yamaltu Deba.

“ Goje has, over the years, built invaluable networks and acquired the experience necessary to effectively advocate for the interests of his constituency and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“ By returning Goje to the Senate, Gombe Central stands to gain even more.

“ His established influence will ensure greater access to federal opportunities, increased developmental projects, and stronger representation in critical national decisions,” he said.

The group further advised President Tinubu to stay away from those working to tarnish the good name of Goje, stating that Goje’s influence in Gombe was important for the success of the All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Moses said at a time when Nigeria is focused on economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and inclusive growth under Tinubu, it was imperative that proven leaders like Goje to continue contributing his expertise toward national progress.

2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election

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Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows

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Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows

By Comrade Philip O. Ikodor

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation (AMF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers, marked the Easter season with a heartwarming outreach to military widows at different locations in Abuja and Nasarawa state, respectively on April 2nd, 2026. This thoughtful initiative was designed to bring joy, hope, and support to the widows of our fallen Military Officers, who have made immense sacrifices for their country.

“Easter is the season of renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness,” Princess Ashlee said. “It reminds us that even after the longest winter, spring arrives and even after the deepest sorrow, there is the possibility of a new dawn.” The outreach was designed to show support and encouragement to the military widows, and to felicitate with them on the occasion of Easter.

Princess Ashlee Momoh reassured the widows that while their loved ones are no longer physically present, their legacy lives on, and AMF is committed to standing with them, supporting them, and celebrating their strength. “Today, we celebrate you, our heroes’ widows, and the sacrifices you’ve made,” she said.

The event was filled with moments of joy and fulfilment, as beneficiaries received gift items, cash gifts, and scholarship opportunities. The Foundation also announced enlistment for skill acquisition and empowerment programs, aimed at equipping the widows with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

The outreach was a testament to AMF’s unwavering commitment to supporting the families of fallen officers, and its dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have made immense sacrifices for their country. As one beneficiary put it, “This Easter, we’ve received more than just gifts – we’ve received hope, love, and a sense of belonging.”

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation’s Easter outreach was a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, and that together, we can overcome any challenge.

Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows

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Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash

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Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash

By: Zagazola Makama

Six persons have been confirmed dead and 12 others injured in a fatal road traffic accident along the Okolowo–Jebba expressway in Kwara State.

Police sources said the accident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on April 2 near Danjuma Bakery area, involving a Toyota Hummer bus and a stationary truck.

According to the sources, the bus with registration number BTR-161-XA was conveying 18 passengers from Lagos State to Katsina State when it rammed into a parked truck with registration number BUU-495-ZD.

The truck was reportedly driven by Kamarudeen Abdullahi, said to be from Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The impact of the collision resulted in the death of six passengers on the spot, while 12 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The injured victims were rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Oke-Oyi, for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Police said investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash

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