Nigeria Launches Fellowship to Tackle Crisis in Missing Persons Reporting

A new fellowship aims to transform how Nigerian journalists report on conflict and missing persons. The program is a collaboration between HumAngle and the International Committee of the Red Cross. It will take place in Abuja from November 4 to 6, 2025. Applications are open until October 14.

The initiative addresses a critical gap in ethical, trauma-informed journalism. It seeks to equip reporters with specialized skills for handling sensitive stories. This training is vital for a country grappling with widespread conflict-related disappearances.

Rigorous Training for Mid-Career and Senior Journalists

The fellowship will host ten selected journalists for a three-day intensive course. According to HumAngle, the curriculum covers human-centered conflict reporting. Participants will learn trauma-informed frameworks for interviewing vulnerable sources.

Sessions will also explore the legal and social scope of Nigeria’s missing persons problem. The training includes psychosocial best practices for both journalists and their sources. This ensures the well-being of everyone involved in these difficult stories.

Building a New Standard for Ethical Journalism

This program represents a significant step toward improving media coverage of national crises. It focuses on the mechanics of responsible storytelling. The goal is to foster reporting that respects victims’ dignity and informs the public accurately.

The fully-funded nature of the fellowship removes financial barriers for professionals. This allows a wider pool of talented journalists to apply. The ultimate impact will be more compassionate and accurate news from conflict zones.

This Nigeria Missing Persons Reporting Fellowship is a direct response to a growing humanitarian challenge. It empowers journalists with the tools for ethical storytelling. The program could set a new standard for conflict journalism across the region.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is eligible to apply for the HumAngle Fellowship?

The fellowship is open to middle-career and senior journalists based in Nigeria. Freelance reporters are also encouraged to apply. All applicants must commit to the full three-day training program.

What costs does the fully-funded fellowship cover?

The organizers cover all expenses for participants. This includes round-trip flights, accommodation, and meals throughout the program. There is no financial cost to the selected fellows.

What is the main focus of the training sessions?

Sessions focus on ethical, trauma-informed reporting on conflict and missing persons. Journalists will learn how to interact with victims’ families sensitively. The curriculum also covers psychosocial safety for reporters and sources.

How many journalists will be selected for the program?

Only ten journalists will be chosen for this intensive fellowship. The selection process includes an application review followed by virtual interviews. The final cohort will be announced after the October 14 deadline.

Why is this fellowship important for Nigeria?

Nigeria faces a significant missing persons crisis linked to ongoing conflicts. Ethical reporting is crucial for public awareness and accountability. This fellowship directly addresses that need by upskilling journalists.

Trusted Sources

HumAngle, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)