Abstract: The citizen must enjoy some freedom tagged fundamental human right which is otherwise known as birth right. It is on this note that the research examined the influence of Nigerian Newspapers in covering Human Right Issues with a case study of the Punch and Nigerian Tribune Newspapers. This research is divided into five chapters. The research is quantitative and survey research method was adopted. Respondents were drawn from the Punch and Nigerian Tribune newspaper. From the findings, it was discovered that both newspapers covers human right issues in Nigeria, 89% of the respondents attested to this fact. It is also, recommended that mass media should be given more freedom in reporting public issues such as human right violation issue. Media houses should educate and training their reporters and editors so that they will know how to report issues relating to human rights and many more without violating laws.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the study

            Nigerian newspapers have played a crucial role in the coverage of human rights issues in the country. The media has been instrumental in raising public awareness of human rights abuses and advocating for the protection of human rights in Nigeria (Yinusa, 2014). One of the most prominent human rights issues that Nigerian newspapers have covered is police brutality. Following the #EndSARS protests in 2020, Nigerian newspapers extensively reported on cases of police brutality and extrajudicial killings by law enforcement officials. This coverage helped to expose the extent of the problem and mobilize public opinion in support of police reform (Soladoye & Ojo, 2021).

            Nigerian newspapers also frequently report on cases of gender-based violence, including rape, domestic violence, and other forms of violence against women and girls. This coverage has helped to highlight the need for stronger laws and policies to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination (Nwodu, 2010).

            Discrimination is another human rights issue that Nigerian newspapers cover. Issues related to discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation are often reported in the media. This coverage helps to promote greater understanding and tolerance among different groups in the country (Lockwood, 2006).

            Child rights is another area where Nigerian newspapers have provided coverage. Child labour, child trafficking, and child abuse are just a few examples of the human rights abuses that Nigerian children face. The media has helped to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for the protection of children’s rights (Lockwood, 2006).

            Human trafficking is also an issue that Nigerian newspapers cover. Nigeria is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking. Nigerian newspapers frequently report on cases of human trafficking and efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the problem. This coverage helps to shed light on this hidden crime and mobilize public support for anti-trafficking efforts (Ndolo, 2009).

            Equally, Nigerian newspapers also cover issues related to prison conditions, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and human rights abuses by prison officials. This coverage helps to expose the harsh realities of life in Nigerian prisons and advocate for the rights of prisoners. Similarly, human trafficking, Nigeria newspaper is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking. Nigerian newspapers frequently report on cases of human trafficking and efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the problem (Yinusa, 2014).

            By and large, Nigerian newspapers play an important role in raising awareness about human rights issues in the country, holding the government accountable, and advocating for the protection of human rights. Through their reporting, newspapers have helped to promote greater understanding, tolerance, and respect for human rights in Nigeria.

            Meanwhile, Human Rights Organisations have become increasingly active players in relation to the media. They have always been a key source of information. In recent years, the larger agencies have responded to the new media environment by developing their media operations. Most have press offices, staffed by professionals. To this end, the research examines the level of Nigeria newspapers coverage of human right issues with a particular focus on the Punch newspaper and Nigerian Tribune.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

            This research seeks to examine the prominence given by the Nigerian print media to the Human Right Issues. To find-out if various restrictions and poor level of freedom enjoy by the press make the press to be coward in the coverage of Human Right issue. The research will find out if the New Freedom of Information Law (FIOL) in Nigeria helps journalists to perform effectively and give prominence to human right issues.

1.3       Research Objectives

The core objective of this research is to examine Nigeria newspapers coverage of human right issues. The specific objective includes:

1. To examine whether newspapers give adequate coverage to Human Right Issues.
2. To examine the pressures and constraints facing print media in the coverage of human right issues
3. To know if New Freedom of Information Law in Nigeria help journalists to perform effectively.

1.4       Research Questions

1. Do newspapers give adequate coverage to human right issues?
2. What are the pressures and constraints facing print media in the coverage of human right issues?
3. Does New Freedom of Information Law in Nigeria help journalists to perform effectively?

1.5      Significance of the Study

            The study of this nature benefits the media practitioners, legal professionals, human right fighter, and other relevant agencies.

Researchers: It will form part of academic work that future researchers can use as a reference point.

Academic Community: Media practitioners will at the end of this research aware of there responsibility on human right report

Human Right Fighter: Human Right fighters will also know the reason why they should partner with media in order to get their message across.

Industry Under Study: Media industry will benefit lots from the research with the view to know what is expected of them in the aspect of human right and it crusades.           

1.6       Scope of the Study

            Although, the primary aim and objective of the project is to examine the “Nigeria Newspapers Coverage of Human Right Issues” this cannot be effectively talked without considering the demographic factor of both The Punch and Nigerian Tribune staffs and sample number of the public that will respond to the questionnaire of this study. Experience, education background, professional training, age, sex e.t.c must be considered before the distribution of research instruments.

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms

NEWSPAPERS: It refers to a means of converging message to large people such as the Punch and Nigeria Tribune.

HUMAN RIGHT ISSUES: It is the freedom which citizen enjoy such as: right include Freedom of Association, Expression, Movement e.t.c

COVERAGE: This means to report or capture issues on human right and others.

INFLUENCE OF NIGERIAN NEWSPAPERS IN COVERING HUMAN RIGHT ISSUES

PROJECT DETAILS:

Format = MS Word, Price = ₦4000, Chapter = 1-5, Pages = 52, References = Yes, Questionnaire =Yes, Table of Contents = Yes and Abstract = Yes

HOW TO GET COMPLETE PROJECT MATERIAL

Views: 15