The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and International IDEA, has intensified efforts to promote professional media reporting of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Oyo State.

The initiative, which includes a mentorship programme for members of the Oyo State SGBV Media Corps, seeks to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report cases of sexual violence responsibly, protect survivors’ identities and promote accountability within the justice system.

Speaking at the programme held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Ibadan, the Head of Media and Public Relations at NAPTIP’s Abuja headquarters, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, warned against resolving sexual offence cases through informal arrangements outside established judicial processes.

Adekoye said criminal cases should be handled through the appropriate legal channels, stressing that only competent courts could make binding judicial pronouncements on criminal matters.
He expressed concern that informal settlements of sexual offence cases could undermine justice and allow perpetrators to evade accountability.
The NAPTIP spokesperson called for stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, social workers, community leaders and non-governmental organisations to address sexual and gender-based violence effectively.

He also urged journalists to adopt professional and survivor-centred reporting practices, warning against the disclosure of survivors’ identities and the publication of material capable of exposing them to further harm or stigmatisation.

Adekoye urged members of the media to go beyond reporting individual incidents by investigating systemic failures that may hinder justice for survivors.
He said responsible journalism was essential to raising public awareness, holding institutions accountable and encouraging survivors to seek support through appropriate channels.
The programme forms part of broader efforts by NAPTIP, the EU and International IDEA to strengthen media engagement in the campaign against sexual and gender-based violence.

The partnership had earlier organised a two-day workshop to establish the SGBV Media Corps in Oyo State, providing a platform for journalists to improve their understanding of the issues and promote more informed public discourse.
The Oyo State NAPTIP Commander, Mr Kayode Alfred, and the media corps mentor, Mr Armfree Ajanaku, were among those present at the mentorship programme.