By Elizabeth Osayande & Ifunanya Ndigwe

The Chairperson of the Nigerian Online Media Alliance, Theresa Moses has stated that media professionals have a critical 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.

Speaking on the initiative, Theresa Moses explained that journalists occupy a unique position in influencing public perception and promoting positive behavioural change across the country.

According to the chairperson, the media is more than a channel for information as it remains a powerful force for education, advocacy, and social transformation. She noted that through responsible reporting and strategic storytelling, journalists can help prevent substance abuse, support recovery efforts, and contribute meaningfully to building safer and healthier communities.

The Nigerian Online Media Alliance announced the media practitioners’ capacity building programme to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The training, themed, “Responsible Media, Drug-Free Nigeria: The Journalist’s Role in Prevention and Advocacy,” will hold on June 25 at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

Organisers of the conference stated that substance abuse remains one of the most pressing public health and social challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly among young people. They noted that the media has a critical responsibility to inform, educate, shape public attitudes, challenge harmful narratives, and amplify evidence-based prevention efforts.

The one-day conference is organised in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, 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.

The programme aligns with the global objectives of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, to strengthen action and cooperation toward achieving a world free from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

According to the alliance, the capacity-building programme will feature presentations by experts in substance use prevention, mental health, public health advocacy, law enforcement, and journalism. Participants will 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.

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.