By James Egbeola Jr.
The Network of Journalists on Indigenous Issues (NEJII), in collaboration with the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), and with support from the MacArthur Foundation, held a one-day training on Tuesday, December 9, to strengthen media coverage of indigenous peoples’ issues and promote reporting that meets global standards.
The training, which used a dedicated Training Manual and drew journalists from media outlets around the country, focused on practical reporting approaches to challenges faced by indigenous communities, using Abuja Original Inhabitants (AOIs) as a case study.
The session aimed to equip reporters with the skills to cover land rights, cultural preservation, political inclusion and resource governance in ways that foster social stability and public understanding.
Adewale Adeoye, Director Journalists for Democratic Rights,JODER opened the session by outlining why the training was needed, describing common difficulties experienced by indigenous peoples and urging the media to find strategic ways to amplify their grievances toward peaceful resolution.
On his own part,Francis Abayomi introduced the training manual and explained the media’s expected role, noting that AOIs lack institutional channels such as representation in the state house of assembly, to formally voice their concerns. This is due to Abuja being Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
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Participants identified several recurring issues affecting indigenous communities: land dispossession, threats to cultural identity, political marginalization and environmental injustice. Journalists took part in brainstorming sessions to develop media-led solutions, including the proposal that AOIs need identifiable public representatives to champion their concerns in government and public forums.
A key consensus from the training was that effective coverage requires deep, respectful understanding of affected communities before reporting on their struggles. Attendees agreed that the media should prioritize preserving AOIs’ cultural heritage to prevent the erosion of language and artisanal practices.
Participants at the One Day Workshop
Representatives from Arise TV, MITV, Newdawn Nigeria, Independent Newspaper, TV360 and Silverbird TV were among the media organizations in attendance.
The training is part of a wider effort to professionalize reporting on indigenous issues and to ensure journalism contributes constructively to policy debates affecting ancestral communities in Nigeria.
