NUJ Organises Capacity-Building Workshop
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Sokoto State Council, has organised a one-day workshop to strengthen journalists’ skills in judicial reporting and responsible news writing.
The training took place in Sokoto on Saturday. It attracted journalists, legal experts, government officials, and former union leaders.
Participants focused on professionalism, fairness, balance, and ethical reporting during court proceedings.
NUJ Highlights Importance of Judicial Reporting
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NUJ in Sokoto State, Usman Binji, described the workshop as a strategic step toward improving media practice in the state.
According to him, judicial reporting remains one of the most sensitive areas in journalism.
“This gathering is not just another training session. It is a deliberate effort to build the capacity of journalists in reporting and promoting responsible news writing in our communities,” he said.
Binji explained that court reporting requires accuracy, patience, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
He added that the workshop theme, Accurate Court Reporting: A Pillar of Justice and Public Trust, reflects the media’s role in protecting democracy and promoting justice through factual reporting.
“In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly and legal matters are often misunderstood, journalists must remain committed to truth, responsibility, and ethical standards,” he added.
Sokoto Government Commends Initiative
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sambo Bello Danchadi, praised the NUJ for organising the programme.
He warned that inaccurate or sensational court reports could damage reputations and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
“Reporting judicial matters requires professionalism, accuracy, fairness, and a deep understanding of legal procedures,” he said.
Danchadi also advised media organisations to assign experienced journalists to court coverage because judicial reporting demands knowledge of legal language and court processes.
In addition, he reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Ahmed Aliyu to supporting professional journalism and responsible information sharing.
Experts Call for Media Law Training
The Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, stressed the need for regular training in media law.
He noted that many journalists still lack proper understanding of legal issues related to journalism practice.
“For someone to practise journalism without understanding media law is dangerous. Journalists need proper knowledge to work professionally and avoid legal issues,” he said.
Former NUJ Chairman Isaac Shuni also urged journalists to remain neutral as the 2027 general elections approach.
“Journalists are expected to be fair and balanced. Even if you have political interests, keep them aside while doing your job,” he stated.
Another former chairman, Sajo Sanyinna, described court reporting as a specialised field that requires mentorship and proper understanding of legal terms.
“If a journalist is not familiar with legal terms, he will struggle. This workshop is an opportunity participants should utilise,” he said.
Attorney-General Warns Against Misinterpreting Judgments
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasiru Binji, represented by Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General Lambo Sambo Wali, said journalists play a major role in justice delivery and democratic development.
He advised reporters to avoid interpreting court judgments beyond what judges state during proceedings.
“You should report court decisions as delivered. It is not the duty of journalists to interpret judgments,” he said.
Experts Present Papers at Workshop
Veteran journalists Abdallah El-Kurebe and Bashir Rabe Mani presented papers during the workshop.
The Chief Registrar of the Sokoto State Court of Appeal, Fatima Umar Dewa, also delivered a presentation on accurate court reporting.
The workshop forms part of efforts by the NUJ to improve journalism standards in Sokoto State and strengthen credible coverage of judicial matters.
