By: Mayen Etim
MAKURDI, North-Central, Nigeria – The group, Network of Peace Journalists, (NPJ) has lauded the Interfaith Mediation Center, Mercy Corps, and USAID on the just concluded 2-day training of Journalists in Benue state on conflict sensitive reportage.
NJP Team Lead, Ibrahima Yakubu, gave the commendation in Makurdi on Wednesday, September 27.
Yakubu said the training for the journalists was timely, were they were equipped with skills on conflict sensitive reportage and on techniques designed to mitigate crises through the Early Warning and Early Response, (EWER) mechanism; pointing out that this will enhanced and promote peace building and harmony in Benue state.
The group expressed gratitude to the organizers and urged all participants to apply lessons learnt at the workshop in their reportage to ensure sustainable peace, and harmony among citizens.
The NPJ Team Lead encouraged media practitioners in the state to contribute to peace-building, unity and harmony by supporting the state government and non-governmental organizations in the state on initiatives, irrespective of tribal, religious, or cultural differences.
According to him, the NPJ team in Kaduna state has already made significant strides by training journalists on fact-findings and peace-building in the profession, thereby playing key role in promoting peace and unity in the region.
The Coordinator, Community Peace Action Network, (CPAN) in IMC, Samson Auta, urged the Journalists to redouble their efforts in crafting stories that promotes peace and national unity.
He emphasized the importance of strict adherence to ethical journalism standards and to refrain from propagating hate and dangerous speeches.
The CPAN Coordinator also lauded Nigerian Journalists for their steadfastness and commitment to promoting peace and harmony in the country.
Speaking also, the first elected Coordinator of the newly established Benue Media Peace Network, Hembadoon Orsar, expressed her delight at the election of the network team members.
She encouraged her members to exhibit unwavering commitment to promoting peace journalism and on fact-findings that supports credible analysis of information.
Mercy Corps – Nigeria Conflict Technical Advisor, Godwin Okoko, clarified that the primary aim and objective of the workshop was to enhanced Journalists’ capacities on issues related to peace building.
He underscored the importance of Journalists’ unwavering dedication to promoting peace journalism through their written contributions.
The 2-day event organized by IMC in collaboration with Mercy Corps, with support from USAID, drew 35 Journalists from Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue States