By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
The Commissioner for Health, Edo, Dr Cyril Adams-Oshiomole, has urged journalists to report solutions in addition to problems, saying ending stories with challenges alone leaves society in despair.
He gave the charge on Monday at the opening of a five-day Solution Journalism training in Benin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices in collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch.
The commissioner said the essence of progress was asking what was working and how others could learn from it.
“Solution journalism goes a step further. It asks an important question: Who is solving this problem? What is working? Why is it working? And how can others learn from it?
“That is the essence of progress,” he said.
According to Oshiomole, while stories of disease outbreaks, maternal deaths and failing systems are important, they should not end there.
“Everyday we hear stories of disease outbreaks, maternal death, insecurity, poverty, and failing systems.
“These stories are important because they bring attention to challenges that demand action, but if our reporting ends only with the problem, society is left with despair,” he stated.
He emphasised that responsible journalism had the power to transform public health.
According to him, during outbreaks, accurate reporting saved lives and during immunisation campaigns, factual reporting increased vaccine acceptance.
“During health emergencies, balanced reporting reduced panic while encouraging appropriate action,” he added.
The commissioner warned that misinformation could destroy gains made in health.
“Conversely, misinformation can undermine years of hard work, erode public trust, and even cost lives.
“Your stories influence public opinion, they shape policy discussions, they inspire action, they can restore hope.
“As you participate in this five-day training, I encourage you to remain curious, ask difficult questions, verify every fact, and maintain the highest standard of ethics and professionalism.
“Solution journalism is not about positive publicity. It is about rigorous, evidence-based reporting that examines responses to societal challenges with honesty, balance, and accountability,” Oshiomole said.
He also called for stronger collaboration between media and health institutions, stressing that better collaboration would result in richer stories.
Oshiomole commended the organisers for investing in the capacity of journalism in an era where misinformation spread faster than facts.
Mrs Olubunmi Oyebanji, Senior Health Editor, Nigeria Health Watch, said the training was designed to shift focus in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) reporting.
“We are saying we no longer want to focus on the problems.
“Let us focus less on the problems and let us amplify the good work, the solutions and the responses that are being implemented.
“After this week’s training, we expect journalists to be armed with a mindset of solutions journalism,” Oyebanji said.
She noted that 20 journalists from all six geopolitical zones were selected for the training.
“Let us amplify the responses of organisations like MSI Nigeria, governments and other agencies that are doing good work in family planning in Edo state and across Nigeria,” she said.
Also, Mrs Omeche Enemaku, Regional Manager, MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, South-South, said the training addresses critical gaps in SRHR.
“In Nigeria currently, our modern contraceptive prevalence rate is around 18 per cent.
“We work to ensure that every woman, every girl who desires to take up a family planning method is provided a safe method to use.
“This is to help them space their children,” Enemaku said.
She explained that the partnership with Nigeria Health Watch is to guide journalists on the right questions.
“By the time we open your eyes to the issues we have on ground, the gaps we have in the system, you will be able to now tell your story around these issues.
“And this will help improve the health of women and girls in Nigeria,” she said.
A participant, Odunola Owolabi said the programme was engaging, insightful and practical.
“It has broadened my understanding of Solutions Journalism by showing how to move beyond reporting problems to critically examining effective, evidence-based responses.
“I am excited to apply the skills and perspectives I am gaining to produce more balanced, impactful stories,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu