Journalists have been advised to ensure balanced and accurate reportage while performing their statutory duties.

The Commissioner, Niger State Ministry of Primary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Dangana, gave the advice at a one-day training for journalists on enhancing health communication, held at Gudel Hotel, Minna, on Monday, 10 March 2025.

The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Gana Mohammed, emphasized that a single piece of inaccurate information could have detrimental effects on public health.

The training, organised by the Niger State Ministry of Primary Health Care in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge for accurate and balanced health reporting in Niger State.

The commissioner underscored the significance of media engagement training as essential for realising the New Niger Agenda in the healthcare sector.

He stressed the importance of cultivating a strong partnership between the ministry and media professionals, emphasising the ministry’s dedication to delivering quality healthcare services to the state’s residents.

The training covered vital topics on health communication, including strategy development, public health advocacy, digital health communication, behavioral change communication, and cultural competency.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, appreciated the ministry for organizing the training, adding that it would strengthen the existing synergy between the ministry and the media.

Facilitators such as Musa Ladan Badeggi, Mohammed Alhaji Usman, Maimuna Raji Egigogo, Mrs. Patience Ajai, and Abubakar Usman Kpantu led the training sessions.

Participants were drawn from various media organisations, including print and electronic media, fellows of the State Health Ministry Information Management Fellowship Project, and representatives from the National Orientation Agency.