Commissioner tasks journalists on objectivity, balancing conflict reports in Katsina
Journalists in Katsina State have been advised to always stick to the ethics of their profession, especially by balancing and ensuring objectivity in reporting conflict issues.
The state’s Commissioner for Internal security, Dr Nasir Mu’azu-Danmusa, gave the advice at a two-day capacity building training for journalists in Katsina.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was on reporting transitional justice and peace building.
It was organised by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), in collaboration with Mercy Corps, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and funded by the European Union.
According to the commissioner, the training was important because the role of journalists in conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence in country cannot be over-emphasised .
He, therefore, said, “The need to strictly adhere to the principles of the profession is important, due to the fact that they are the ones who give the general public the needed information.
“Perception and understanding are created, and behaviours are also being tailored along the information that people receive, for a better understanding.
“You should please understand the socio-cultural nature of the state, the perception of the people, and their mindset before an information is passed.
“Because sometimes you’ll find that the source of information, especially for the mainstream security outfits, we also struggle with the different information we receive.”
Mu’azu-Danmusa advised the journalists to always try to verify information, urging,”you should be reliable, accurate, objective and ensure it is balanced before sending to public.”
Earlier, the representative of the CDD, Mr Kolawole Ogunbiyi, said the training, which was the fourth of its kind, was to build the capacity of the journalists so that their reportage can be in line with the peaceful coexistence in the state.
According to him, the training was also to have a special feedback session following the previous training on conflict sensitivity reporting, fact-checking, social cohesion, fostering community dialogue through media, and diagnosing perception assessment study.
Ogunbiyi added that the session was to reflect on the successes the participants have achieved by implementing the knowledge and skills acquired from the training.
He reiterated the commitment of the centre in refining their training programmes and supporting journalists in producing impactful and ethical journalism that promotes peace and social cohesion. (NAN)
