LAGOS/Nigeria: The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA), in collaboration with key stakeholders in public health and drug prevention, has announced a Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Programme aimed at strengthening journalists’ capacity to report responsibly on drug abuse, substance use disorders and mental health issues.
The one-day conference, organised to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is being held in partnership with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
Scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, the programme is themed: “Responsible Media, Drug-Free Nigeria: The Journalist’s Role in Prevention and Advocacy.”
According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to equip journalists, editors, publishers, broadcasters, bloggers and other digital media practitioners with the knowledge, skills and practical tools required for accurate, ethical and responsible reporting on drug-related issues.
The organisers noted that substance abuse remains one of the most significant public health and social challenges facing Nigeria, particularly among young people, making the role of the media increasingly critical in shaping public awareness and influencing positive behavioural change.
The programme aligns with the objectives of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, which seeks to strengthen global action and cooperation towards a world free from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Participants are expected to engage with experts in substance use prevention, mental health, law enforcement, public health advocacy and journalism, who will lead discussions on responsible reporting, fact-based storytelling, stigma reduction, prevention communication and strategic advocacy.
The conference will also explore how journalists can contribute to national efforts aimed at preventing substance abuse while supporting treatment, rehabilitation and recovery initiatives through balanced and evidence-driven reporting.
Chairperson of NOMA, Mrs. Theresa Moses, said media professionals occupy a strategic position in influencing public attitudes and advancing social 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 stressed the need for media practitioners to ensure that reports on drug abuse and related issues are accurate, balanced and free from stigma.
“As gatekeepers of information and shapers of public discourse, journalists have a responsibility to ensure that reporting on drug-related issues is evidence-based and constructive, while also highlighting prevention, treatment and recovery pathways,” she added.
The event is expected to attract journalists, media executives, government officials, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, development partners, youth advocates, researchers, students of mass communication and other stakeholders committed to combating substance abuse and promoting public health.
Organisers said the programme would provide a platform for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing aimed at strengthening the media’s contribution to the campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria.
They also called on interested organisations and individuals to support the initiative through partnerships, sponsorships and participation as part of broader efforts to build a healthier and drug-free society.
For partnership, sponsorship, participation, and media enquiries, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact the organisers.
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