Journalists in Jos, Plateau State, have been tasked with promoting peace through conflict-sensitive reporting.This mandate was the focal point of a three-day workshop organized by the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA).
The workshop aimed to provide media practitioners with the necessary skills to navigate the intricacies of religious conflicts in Nigeria.
Mr Jude Likita, Country Coordinator for JISRA in Nigeria, emphasized the consortium’s commitment to fostering religious freedom and peaceful coexistence through responsible journalism.
He stated. “Media practitioners hold the power to either ignite violence or foster peace.In the current Nigerian context, almost every conflict has a religious component, and what the media reports can significantly impact whether tensions escalate or subside.”
Likita further explained that the workshop is part of a five-year project that started in 2021, designed to engage with the media to spread messages of freedom of religion or belief.
“We are working with seven local partners and three international organizations to ensure that everyone can enjoy religious freedom and promote peace. The project includes partners such as DIWA, DREP, FOM1, JPRM, RUCON, SUA, and WIC, along with international partners represented by CAFOD, TFON, and Search for Common Ground” He added.
He also highlighted why Plateau and Kaduna States were chosen for the program, noting their frequent involvement in religious conflicts.
“These states are polarized along religious lines, with significant divisions between Muslims and Christians, making them focal points for our peacebuilding efforts. At JISRA, We aim to show that religion is not necessarily the root cause of each conflict. Our focus is to explore these conflicts, considering religious factors, and ensure that everyone can enjoy freedom of religion or belief, promoting peaceful coexistence for all.” He stated.
Speaking on the practical aspects of conflict-sensitive reporting, facilitator Promise Salawu from Tearfund stressed the importance of considering multiple perspectives and using careful language to prevent escalation.
“The way we frame our reports and the tone we use are crucial in either escalating or de-escalating conflicts. Journalists must prioritize national interest over financial gain or breaking news.” He noted.
Also, Nankling Mershak from Rurcon discussed the need for women’s inclusion in media, advocating for greater representation to enhance balanced reporting.
“Training women in media creates a ripple effect, leading to broader inclusion and advocacy. The women present in our sessions can advocate for women’s inclusion when they return to their organizations.” She explained.
Furthermore, Rueben Emmanuel, an Advocacy Officer with Tearfund, highlighted the critical role of media in shaping societal attitudes.
“The media are gatekeepers of information and knowledge. Through conflict-sensitive reporting, we believe that many conflicts can be de-escalated, and positive changes in the mindset and behavior of the citizens of Plateau State can be achieved.” He emphasized.
Meanwhile, participants like Andrew Ajijah reflected on the impact of the workshop, noting the importance of unbiased reporting. ” I have learned the importance of unbiased reporting and the need to view ourselves as intermediaries for the public.We must adopt a perspective that promotes peace and harmony, especially between Christianity and Islam.” He said.
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