Experts on Wednesday called for enhanced safety awareness for Nigerian journalists in the areas of investigative reporting, digital security and management of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Speaking at a webinar organised by International Press Centre (IPC) on safety, security and management of trauma, in coverage of dangerous assignments in Lagos, a writer and investigative journalist, Mr Fisayo Soyombo said every journalist has to be cautious of covering dangerous assignment as no story is worth the life of any reporter.
He said every investigative story needs information sources. “You need people to talk to, ask questions on the topic you are pursuing. You must apply professionalism, use social media but with discretion. You have to disguise yourself and have a risk exit plan at all times. The exit plan applies for yourself and your working devices. For instance, when you do some recordings, you transfer to another person who is not in the vicinity with you. This is to enable you to secure your materials in case of any eventuality”.
On safety during a pandemic, Fisayo said many journalists in the quest for either money or popularity tend to risk their lives. He warned that pandemic kills, and at the end’ “you may not even achieve your aim of concluding the story”.
He said, “In the Nigeria context, a lot of journalists believe that travelling to danger zone would fetch them money. Seek professional advice and do not endanger your life. Call experts, or people who could give you authentic information regarding the level of existing pandemics in the coverage area”
Commenting, a lecturer and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, University of Lagos, Dr Uzo Israel, said any action or situation that places special, physical or psychological demands on a person is called traumatic disorder.
According to her, it is instructive for people to monitor their body system so as to avoid stress.
“When the body faces a stressor, certain physical processes take place. The body reacts in a primitive sense to what it perceives as impending danger in the “fight-or-flight” response.
She advised that people should always take care of their body system, by visiting the hospital from time to time; noting that blood from the skin, organs, and extremities is directed to the brain and larger muscles in preparation to fight the impending danger.
“The senses are heightened, glucose and fatty acids are released into the bloodstream for energy, and the immune and digestive systems all but shut down to provide one with the necessary energy to fight the stressor,” she said.
She identified anxiety, overall irritability, insecurity, nervousness, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, insomnia and panic attacks as some of the symptoms of stress, adding that victims should always talk to their doctors “especially if you feel down or anxious for more than several weeks or if it starts to interfere with your home or work life”
Giving remedies to control stress disorder, she said physical activities can help improve sleep, which means better stress management.
“Doctors may not know exactly why, but people who exercise more tend to get better sleep that helps to renew the brain and body. Just take care not to exercise too close to bedtime, which disrupts sleep for some people,” Doctor Israel said.
In his welcome address, executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the activity is one of the components of a project on ‘Enhanced Safety Awareness for Nigeria Journalists ‘being implemented by IPC with the support of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a global network of organisations that promote and defend the right to freedom of expression and information.
According to him, IFEX supports the building of appropriate capacities for journalists including safety in investigative reporting, digital security and management of post-traumatic stress disorder.
He said, “This workshop is therefore expected to enhance our capacity to manage difficult safety challenges while carrying out our work.
“Participating journalists are expected to be able to practice with increased confidence and manage dangerous situations effectively.
“Safety also borders on protecting the state of mental health of journalists, as they are usually on the frontlines of difficult and overwhelming incidents, such as crime scenes, road accidents, natural disasters and wars. Journalists also undertake the dangerous assignment of investigating corruption and other criminal activities, all of which could make them susceptible to threats, attacks, anxiety, stress and burnout.”