by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A Kaduna-based NGO, ‘Interfaith Mediation Center’ (IMC) Nigeria, with support from OPUS Peace Foundation, USA, has organized Peace Journalism Workshop in Kaduna, aimed to strategize and enhance the capacity of media practitioners to promote peace and mitigate conflict in their reportage.
The communiqué of the one-day workshop, held in Kaduna, was also aimed at developing a comprehensive guide for Peace Journalism practice in Nigeria.
During a scriptural reflection of IMC core values, Imam Dr. Muhammad N. Ashafa and Pastor Dr. James M. Wuye shared insights from the Holy Qur’an and Holy Bible, respectively, offering participants a religious perspective on Peace Journalism.
“For decades, Nigeria has faced numerous challenges, particularly in conflict and governance fragility, which have significantly impacted the national economy.
“The media’s role in addressing or mitigating these challenges is vital at every stage. Journalists play crucial roles in promoting peace building and conflict mediation. However, recent increases in conflicts highlight a neglect of responsibilities by media professionals,” it stated.
The workshop, convened to enhance the ability of media professionals to truly promote peace and meditative efforts, explored five thematic areas to be addressed during the workshop.
These include: Prospects and Challenges between Conventional Journalism and New/Social Media; Peace Journalism Ethics, and Profession; the 15 Commandments of Peace Journalism; Faith-Based Peace Communication and Early Warning Indicators Between Sensitivity and Sensationalism; Peace Journalism in Action: Responsibility and Business Observations, among others.
Participants noted with dismayed that ethical standards have been compromised in contemporary journalism, leading to numerous undesirable consequences.
Key ethical values such as editorial independence, accuracy, privacy, privilege of non-disclosure, and public or national interest reporting have been neglected. Issues like plagiarism and undue influence by media owners were also highlighted.
Participants expressed concern over the increased incidence of plagiarism in journalism and media organizations, emphasizing the negative implications for peace and national security.
“There was a call for strict adherence to professional ethics and code of conducts. Participants criticized certain unethical practices in the media, where professional ethics are often compromised under various influences, threatening societal peace and harmony.
Concerns were raised about the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) not adequately addressing the infiltration of unqualified individuals, tarnishing the profession’s image and effectiveness.
Recommendations were that, Media organizations should motivate journalists through continuous training or employ qualified professionals, who understand the profession’s ethics, for effective and unbiased reportage.
“Journalists committed to peace should investigate issues thoroughly to establish its veracity, seek updates, and be cautious about forwarding unverified information that may threaten the peace of the society.
“Journalists must avoid misleading headlines aimed at attracting sympathy and instead provide solutions to observed challenges. Authorities should implement mechanisms to check the spread of fake news.
Participants were encouraged to embrace the four principles of Islamic Perspective on Journalism: Truth and Truthfulness (Sidiqq), Pedagogy (Tablig), Moderation (Wasatiya) and seek the Best for the Public Interest.
The workshop concluded with a call for collective efforts to uphold the principles of Peace Journalism, fostering a more harmonious and peaceful society in Nigeria.
The meeting, which brought together media professionals and relevant stakeholders to strategize and enhance the capacity of the media to promote peace and mitigate conflict in their reportage, had Daniel Duniya and Maureen Sheyin as Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the Communiqué Draft Committee with four other members.