Journalists Receive Training On Shielding Themselves From Libel And Attaching Importance To Journalism Ethics In Lagos

The second phase of the two- day training programme organized for senior journalists by the International Press Institute of Nigeria, IPI, ended on Thursday, October 14, 2023.

A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com  on Friday night noted that the training programme held  at Amber Residence GRA Ikeja, had as its theme  , ‘How To Avoid SLAPP Suits and Remain Ethical”.

SLAPP according to Wikipedia is Strategic lawsuits against public participation, or strategic litigation against public participation, which are lawsuits intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.

When this is pursued by agents of government or individuals , it leads to either institutional or self-censorship.

Seasoned lawyers, who are  also veteran journalists, delivered profound, educative and informed papers at the workshop.

The resource persons led by the host President,  Mr Muskiliu Mojeed,  the IPI Nigeria President included Mr. Femi Adesina , who served as former  President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, member of the Executive Board of global IPI , Mrs. Funke Egbemode, Professor Abigail Ogsezzy- Ndisika, Mr. Richard Akinnola, Mr Edeatan Ojo, Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, Mr. Yusuf Ali Tobi Soniyi and Sir Folu Olamiti, who is a member of the IPI Nigeria Board of Trustees.

They spoke on topics centering on legal implications of activities that have to do with the participants’ duties as journalists and how they can avoid harassments attendant with litigations and still keep to the ethics of the profession.

The illuminating and refreshing lecture topics include  ‘Legal loopholes Editors Must Avoid’, ‘Understanding Media Codes and Ethics’, ‘Case Studies on Legal Challenges Newsroom Face’, ‘Dealing With Lawsuits: Available Helps’ , ‘Battling Fake News Fact Checking and Verification’ and  ‘How The Media Can Avoid Government Censorship’.

At the end of the workshop, participants had their understanding and knowledge refreshed and this would keep assisting them to do things right with regard to the practice of the profession.

The workshop was facilitated by MacArthur Foundation-Team@orientactualmags.com
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