By JKNewsMedia
INITIATIVES FOR a media capacity building programme on responsible drug abuse reporting have been unveiled by the Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) ahead of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that NOMA, a coalition of digital media publishers and journalists committed to promoting ethical journalism, media development and impactful public advocacy across Nigeria, is organising the one-day conference in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Yaba, Lagos.
The programme, themed “Responsible Media, Drug Free Nigeria: The Journalist’s Role in Prevention and Advocacy”, will hold on Thursday, 25 June, 2026, at 10:00am at the FNPH, Yaba, Lagos.
The initiative is designed to equip journalists, editors, publishers, bloggers, broadcasters and digital media practitioners with the knowledge and practical tools needed to report accurately, ethically and responsibly on drug abuse, substance use disorders, mental health, rehabilitation and prevention strategies.
It also aligns with the global objectives of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (UN-IDADAIT), observed annually on 26 June, to strengthen action and cooperation toward achieving a world free from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
NOMA stated that substance abuse remains one of the most pressing public health and social challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly among young people.
The group also noted that the media has a critical responsibility to inform, educate, shape public attitudes, challenge harmful narratives and amplify evidence based prevention efforts.
As such, the capacity building initiative will feature presentations by experts in substance use prevention, mental health, public health advocacy, law enforcement and journalism.
Participants will further engage in discussions on responsible reporting, fact-based storytelling, stigma reduction, prevention communication and strategic advocacy aimed at supporting national and community level responses to drug abuse.
NOMA Chairperson, Theresa Moses said journalists occupy a unique position in influencing public perception and promoting positive behavioural change.
“The media is more than a channel for information; it is a powerful force for education, advocacy, and social transformation. Through responsible reporting and strategic storytelling, journalists can help prevent substance abuse, support recovery efforts, and contribute meaningfully to building safer and healthier communities,” she said.
Moses added that media professionals, as gatekeepers of information and shapers of public discourse, have a responsibility to ensure that reporting on drug related issues is accurate, balanced, evidence based and free from stigma while highlighting prevention, treatment and recovery pathways.
The event is expected to bring together journalists, media executives, government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society organisations, youth advocates, researchers, students of mass communication and other stakeholders committed to advancing a drug free Nigeria.
NOMA also encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking partnership, sponsorship, participation or media enquiries to contact the organisers via its official email: nomamedia25@gmail.com among others.
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