As the 2027 General election draws nearer, a Non Governmental Organisation, the West African Network for Peace building(WANEP) has called on Media Professionals to embrace journalism that enhance peacebuilding efforts to promote unity, security, and inclusive governance.
The National Network Coordinator of WANEP, Dr Bridget Osakue, made the call at a two days Media Training Workshop organised for some selected Journalists in Benin City, Edo State.
Dr Osakue explained that following series of conflicts characterising some parts of the country, there was need for Media professionals to be trained on how to sustain conversations around peace, security, ethical reporting, and the role of women and youths in nation-building.
According to her, WANEP operates a network of monitors who provide real-time conflict reports that are shared with ECOWAS and the African Union to support policy formulation and rapid response to emerging threats.
She added that the organisation also conducts regular situation analysis aimed at promoting timely interventions and sustainable peacebuilding efforts.
Dr Osakue stressed that the influence of the media has become more impactful with the advent of social media hence the need for responsible journalism to help build peace in the country.
“The activities we are having in this two days is to strengthen the capacities of Media professionals to understand the perspectives of peace and security in there reportage and we hope to be working with them in their writings on issues in Edo State that concerns peace and security with gender consideration at their reportage”
Earlier in a remark, Edo State Commissioner for women affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah
said the theme of the event, Women, Peace and Security; Youth, Peace and Security; and Conflict-Sensitive Reporting were interconnected and central to sustainable development and nation-building.
Represented by the Director Media, of the Ministry, Daisy Osunde, the commissioner noted that Conflict-sensitive journalism encourages accuracy, fairness, balance, empathy, and responsibility in reporting.
“It reminds us that while the media must hold institutions accountable, it must also avoid narratives capable of escalating fear, hatred, violence, or stigmatization of vulnerable groups.”
She encourage media professionals to continue to promote Positive and balanced reporting on women and youths;
Advocacy against gender-based violence and harmful social practices in the country.
On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said the Ministry would continue to support initiatives that advance peacebuilding and encourage the active participation of women and youths in governance.
Represented by the Director of Orientation in the Ministry, Mrs. Rose Imonikhe, the Commissioner noted that the Ministry remains committed to supporting programmes that enhanced peace and inclusion across the state.
The workshop also focused on tackling misinformation, addressing gender-based violence, and increasing the visibility of women and youths in peacebuilding initiatives.
Participants included representatives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, Information and Strategy, as well as journalists from print, broadcast, online, and digital media organisations.
By: Fortune Oyem, Benin City.
