Protect children from abuse, exploitation, expert urges stakeholders

Dr Jide Johnson, a lecturer at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), has urged stakeholders to protect children from abuse and exploitation.

Johnson made the call on Saturday at a workshop organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Lagos.

The event, held at the NUJ Secretariat, Ikeja, marked the World Day Against Child Labour.

He urged government, parents, media organisations and communities to prevent child neglect, abuse and avoidable deaths.

Johnson stressed that children’s rights under the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003 must be protected by all stakeholders.

He described the rights as legal obligations rather than acts of charity or goodwill.

“Children breathe the same air as kings and market women because laws recognise their equal and inalienable rights,” he said.

The NIJ lecturer said children require adult support because they cannot confront life’s challenges alone.

He added that responsible reporting demands compassion, careful judgement and protective measures for vulnerable children.

“Small hands cannot fight big storms alone since children depend on adults for safety and guidance,” Johnson said.

He noted that poverty, abuse, neglect and exploitation continued to expose many children to serious risks.

Johnson identified early marriage, female genital mutilation, rape, trafficking and child labour as threats to childhood.

He also mentioned malnutrition, lack of vaccines, unsafe water and violence as preventable causes of child deaths.

According to him, global efforts had gradually established children’s protection as a universal responsibility.

He referenced international milestones including the Geneva Declaration, Human Rights principles and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“Nigeria ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991 and passed the CRA in 2003,” he said.

Johnson explained that the CRA consolidated child protection laws and defined responsibilities for families and society.

He urged journalists to respect children’s dignity, protect privacy and avoid reporting that could cause further harm.

He advised media practitioners to verify reports, conceal identities and prioritise children’s best interests.

“Digital news spreads quickly, but the harm caused by careless reporting can last longer,” he said.

The NAWOJ Lagos Chairman, Mrs Jumoke Johnson, urged journalists to protect child victims’ identities.

She warned against invasive questioning that could increase stigma or discomfort among vulnerable children.