Media practitioners have been called upon to take a more proactive role in promoting peace and social cohesion, particularly in conflict-prone areas of northern Nigeria.
Lead Facilitator and the Founder of LIDA Network, Irene David-Arinze, made the call during a media training session held in Kaduna under the GIZ-funded PEACECORE II project, implemented in partnership with MICT.
Speaking with journalists, she emphasised that the training—tagged “Media for Peace”—was not just a capacity-building exercise, but a strategic effort to reposition the media as a key driver of conflict prevention and community development.
David-Arinze said the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and warned that unverified information, misleading narratives, and sensational headlines could exacerbate existing tensions.
“We are leveraging the power of the media to douse tension, especially around religious and ethnic issues, and to promote peaceful coexistence,” she said.
David-Arinze urged journalists to be deliberate in their choice of words and framing of stories, warning that even headlines alone can shape narratives and trigger reactions among audiences.
She stressed the importance of accurate, balanced, and context-driven reporting, noting that misinformation, disinformation, and sensational headlines often worsen already fragile situations.
The training brought together 60 participants, including professional journalists and young content creators, creating a platform for knowledge exchange between experienced practitioners and emerging voices in the media space.
She described the engagement as highly interactive, with participants demonstrating strong interest in adopting ethical reporting practices that support peacebuilding.
Beyond the training, she advocated closer collaboration between journalists and communities, encouraging media professionals to remain committed to credibility, neutrality, and responsible storytelling despite the challenges they face.
The PEACECORE II initiative is designed to enhance conflict transformation efforts and foster peaceful coexistence across vulnerable communities in Nigeria