An NGO, Mercy Corps (MC), in collaboration with the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC), on Wednesday trained 40 journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the training is a two-day event for capacity building of media practitioners on how to report conflicts without inciting violence.
In his welcome address, the Country Director of MC, Ndubisi Anyanwu, said that the organisation was a global team of humanitarians working towards creating a future where everyone prospered.
Anyanwu, represented Mr Godwin Okoko, Technical Manager of the Corps, said the role of the media in achieving peace and development could not be over-emphasised, hence the capacity building.
He urged participants to pay attention to the training, and ensure implementation of the knowledge acquired in their reportage.
Hajiya Asma’u Halilu, the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna council, said that the journalism profession required frequent training to improve skills of media practitioners.
“The topic for today’s training is apt, considering how in recent times, some journalists were arrested or jailed in the course of their duties.
“Many became victims because they lack knowledge on conflict sensitivity reportage.
“Good journalism requires that we conduct assessment during conflict situation to understand the parties involved and the roles they play in the situation before we disseminate any information,” Halilu said.
She noted the role of the media as the fourth estate of the realm and the mirror of the society.
She urged practitioners to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession in their reportage during conflicts.
Similarly, Malam Jamilu Yahaya, the Zonal Director, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), said that there were laws and policies that governed conflict reporting.
Yahaya, who spoke on the framework and policies to address conflict sensitivity reporting, added that reporters were expected to present news and commentaries on crisis or emergency in a professional manner.
On their part, the participants expressed appreciation to the two organisations, as well as the NUJ, for organising the training, describing it as apt and timely.
Mrs Lilian Silas, one of the participants said that the training would go a long way in developing the capacity of Journalists on conflict reporting, especially those whose organisations could not afford such training.
Another participant, Ibrahim Yakubu, said the training would help mitigate crisis ahead of the 2023 General Elections, adding that it would also help promote peaceful journalism.
According to Muhammad Yaba, he has been enlightened on how to report and write on conflict situations, urging journalists to follow the code and ethics guiding the profession.
“I think we need more of this training as we approach 2023 elections,” YTaba said. (NAN)
