Ikeja: The International Visitor Leadership Programme Alumni Association (IVLPAA), in collaboration with the United States Consulate in Lagos, has called on media practitioners to adopt responsible and ethical approaches when reporting suicide cases. The call was made during a capacity-building workshop for journalists with the theme: 'The Role of the Media in Suicide Prevention.'

According to News Agency of Nigeria, President of IVLPAA, Mr. Dapo Oketola, emphasized that media reports on suicide have the power to either trigger further incidents or promote healing. Oketola highlighted that irresponsible media coverage can lead to suicide contagion, while responsible reporting can save lives. He pointed out that suicide is preventable, but silence, stigma, and sensationalism continue to exacerbate the crisis in Nigeria.

Oketola urged journalists to use their platforms to promote hope, resilience, recovery, and help-seeking behavior. He stressed that media stories highlighting individuals overcoming suicidal thoughts, accessing support systems, and recovering from mental health challenges can significantly reduce suicide rates. He encouraged a shift in focus from tragedy to resilience by using strength-based, positive language and presenting a balanced perspective.

According to him, responsible reporting not only helps those at risk but also provides solace to grieving families, breaks the silence surrounding mental illness, and contributes to public awareness. Oketola concluded by urging journalists to report with empathy, ethics, and impact, while identifying the root causes of suicide in Nigeria as mental ill-health, socio-economic stress, substance abuse, domestic and emotional abuse, stigma, and cultural beliefs.

Also addressing the workshop, Mr. Sola Fabiyi, a former editor of Punch Weekend Titles, described suicide reporting as a delicate aspect of journalism that must be handled with sensitivity. Fabiyi warned that poorly reported suicide cases can stigmatize, encourage copycat behavior, and worsen public health outcomes. He advised against sensationalizing suicide stories and recommended that journalists use non-stigmatizing language.

Fabiyi urged media professionals to replace the phrase 'committed suicide' with 'died by suicide' and avoid sharing graphic visuals or detailed descriptions of suicide methods or locations. He emphasized the importance of not grabbing attention at the expense of dignity and sensitivity, and he further urged the media to always provide help-seeking information in their reports. Fabiyi noted that a story ending in tragedy without offering a lifeline can feel hopeless to someone already struggling.