Center Trains Journalists On Peace Journalism In Kaduna

By Frederick Peters, KADUNA

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA; The Interfaith Mediation Center,( IMC) Kaduna, supported by OPUS PEACE Foundation USA, on Tuesday organized a Peace Journalism Workshop for Journalists in Kaduna.

The One Day workshop attracted participants from across the Print, electronic and Online media, Peace actors and stakeholders among others.

The workshop harped on five thematic areas, I5 commandments of peace Journalism, faith-based peace communication: early warning Indicators, between sensitivity and sensationalism among others.

In a communiqué at the end of workshop signed by Mr Daniel Duniya and Maureen Sheyin, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the forum frowned at unethical practices by some journalists in their reportage and called for adherence to the code and ethics of the profession.

” The Peace Journalism Workshop, organized by the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC) and supported by the OPUS Prize Foundation, 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. 

” The workshop aimed to develop a comprehensive guide for Peace Journalism practice in Nigeria.Reflecting IMC’s core values, the workshop commenced with a scriptural reflection. Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurein Ashafa and Pastor Dr. James Movel Wuye shared insights from the Quran and the Bible, respectively, offering participants a religious perspective on Peace Journalism.”

The Forum observed that “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 peacebuilding and conflict mediation. 

” However, recent increases in conflicts highlights a neglect of responsibilities by media professionals.The workshop was convened to enhance the ability of media professionals to truly promote peace and meditative efforts. 

” Five thematic areas were addressed during the workshop: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: Early Warning Indicators Between Sensitivity and Sensationalism Peace Journalism in Action: Responsibility and Business

Participants noted 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 interest reporting have been neglected. Issues like plagiarism and undue influence by media owners were also highlighted.

The forum 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 codes.

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, which tarnishes the profession’s image and effectiveness.

The forum made far reaching recommendations 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 threatens the peace of the society.

“Journalists must avoid misleading headlines aimed at attracting sympathy and instead provide solutions to observed challenges adding that the authorities should implement mechanisms to check the spread of fake news.”

Participants were further urged to adhere to the tenets and principles of their faiths to promote peace, harmony and the common good.

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.