A non-governmental organisation, Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE), has equipped journalists with the requisite knowledge and skills for conflict-sensitive reporting, which will help them counter violent extremism.
The two-day training, themed “Amplifying Voices for Peace: Media Practitioners in PCVE and Resilience-building,” helped the media professionals to understand the nuances of reporting in conflict areas, promote responsible media practices that can contribute to peacebuilding and reduce the spread of violent extremism.
In a welcome address, the national chairman of the PAVE Network, Jaye Gaskia, said violent extremism had remained the country’s menace that needs a collective approach.
According to him, “journalists as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the watchdog, mirror of the society and critical stakeholders in the development of the country need the training to build their capacities which will enable them to report in ways that will shape the minds of people or groups involved in violent extremism”
Gaskia stressed the need for peace, education and the involvement of community members, faith-based organisations and traditional institutions in the peacebuilding initiatives, adding that these are concrete steps in the fight against conflict extremism.
While urging journalists to ensure balance, transparent and fair reportage that will douse tension rather than escalating it, Gaskia acknowledged the role of the media in providing alternative narratives, fostering community engagement, building trust and balancing reports through strategic communication.
In a remark, PCVE media consultant and security expert, Senator Iroegbu, said the training aimed at strengthening sustainable partnerships with the media, civil society, organisations, government and other key stakeholders to join hands in the fight to counter violent extremism.
While urging reporters to always be objective, factual, and balanced in their reportage, Iroegbu advised journalists to be sensitive to the cultural and religious nuances of their communities and avoid sensational headlines in conflict reporting.
