United Nations trains media executives on media Information literacy integration into editorial policy

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in collaboration with Media Awareness and Information For All Network (MAIN) organised a two-day training workshop for media managers, Senior journalists and content creators in North-West Nigeria.

Penpushing reports that the bodies organized the training in quest to strengthen the capacity of media institutions, journalists and social media content creators to develop and integrate Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Policy into their editorials and contents.

The training from 19 – 20 May 2025, and titled, “Integrating Media and Information Literacy (MIL) into Editorial Policies of Media Organizations and Social Media Content Creators”, was declared open by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Waiya.

Penpushing further reports that the Commissioner pointed out that there were so many media organizations operating in Nigeria, particularly online, and they have been actively performing their traditional role of informing, educating and entertaining the public.

“However, the issue of media and information literacy must be taken seriously. Media education is important. Therefore, this training workshop cannot come at a better time when many people on the street are now assuming the role of a journalist, even though they do not have any experience or professional training. All they have is just a smartphone and internet access’, he stated

Penpushing also reports that Waiya in the context of countering misinformation and disinformation, called on all Media Chief Executives and Senior Editors to put in place an operational procedure that will ensure the integrity of the information ecosystem.

The Head of Office and Representative (AI) of UNESCO Office in Abuja, Mr. Albert Mendy, described the role of media executives as pivotal, stressing that their leadership in promoting ethical should be paramount

“Your leadership in promoting ethical, inclusive, and MIL-informed journalism will not only enhance the quality of news and information but will also contribute to rebuilding public trust and strengthening democratic engagement’, he added

Penpushing reports that the UNESCO Head of Office, represented by Ms Yachat Nuhu of the UNESCO Abuja Communication and Information Sector, urged the participants to use the workshop platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and identify sustainable strategies for embedding Media and Information Literacy (MIL) into the culture of journalism.

‘By doing so, we affirm the media’s enduring role as a public good and a cornerstone of freedom of expression. We would also like to express our appreciation to our implementing partner Media and Information for All Network (MAIN) for their steadfast collaboration and shared commitment to empowering media actors across Nigeria’, Mendy said.

Penpushing further reports that the Head of Office and Representative (AI) of UNESCO Office thanked the government of Kano State for always associating with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)-led activities.

The Zonal Director of National Broadcasting Commission, Alhaji Jamilu Yahaya Jega, stated that as a regulatory body committed to fostering responsible broadcasting and content creation, the commission recognise that Media and information literacy represents a critical foundation for building an informed citizenry.

Penpushing also reports that the Zonal Director represented by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Kano State Director, Alhaji Adamu Salisu, affirmed that the integration of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) principles into editorial policies is not merely a theoretical exercise but a practical necessity.

“When media organisations and content creators embed these principles into their operational frameworks, they significantly contribute to elevating professional standards, promoting ethical practices, and enhancing public trust. This workshop, therefore, addresses one of the most pressing needs in our contemporary media ecosystem’, Jega said.

Penpushing reports that the Chairman of Media Awareness and Information For All Network (MAIN), Prof Jide Jimoh, welcoming participants, highlighted the threats posed by widespread cases of misinformation and disinformation to ethical journalism and democratic engagement.

The Chairman, equally urged the participants to seize the opportunity of the training to deepen their knowledge of the intersection of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and ethical journalism and media practice.

Penpushing further reports that the training was attended by 30 senior management staff of 25 media organisations in the including radio, television, newspapers and social media platforms, seven North-Western States.

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