At least 50 journalists in Sokoto State have commenced a three-day intensive training on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE), aimed at strengthening responsible journalism as a tool for peacebuilding and sustainable development.
The workshop, organised by the North East Youth Initiative for Development (NEYIF) in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Information and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), is themed “Responsible Journalism as a Tool for Promoting Sustainable Peace and Development.”
The initiative seeks to equip media practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary for accurate, ethical, and sensitive reporting on issues related to violence, radicalisation, and peace efforts.
Alhaji Dauda Gombe, Executive Director of NEYIF, stated that the programme is part of broader efforts to empower the media to actively participate in P/CVE initiatives through informed reporting and community engagement.
“Every global development is somehow linked to journalism. While bias exists in the profession, its power to influence society is immense,” he said.
Gombe stressed that promoting objectivity and eliminating media bias is key to curbing extremist narratives, including banditry and insurgency.
He commended the NUJ and Sokoto State Government for their support, highlighting journalists’ crucial role in fostering national unity and stability.
Alhaji Nuradden Mahe, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Strategic Communication, acknowledged the media’s role in shaping public perception and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“This training will equip journalists to counter extremist ideologies and champion messages of tolerance and social cohesion,” Mahe stated, urging participants to make the most of the interactive sessions.
Sokoto State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Sambo Danchadi, represented by Permanent Secretary Bashir Maigari, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using accurate and responsible journalism to promote peace and good governance.
“Conflict-sensitive reporting, ethical journalism, and tackling misinformation are central to building public trust,” he added.
Earlier, in his remarks, Mr Usman Binji, Chairman of the NUJ in Sokoto, commended the organisers and pledged the union’s commitment to promoting professionalism among media practitioners.
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