To promote conflict-sensitive reportage and foster peace in Plateau State, media practitioners and key stakeholders gathered for a two-day capacity-building training organized by the United States Aid (USAID) and Mercy Corps as part of the Community Initiatives To Promote Peace (CIPP) project.

Held in collaboration with Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), ARDA, PARE, Savannah Center (SCDDD), and the Social Justice and Humanitarian Development for Peace Initiative, the training took place at Crispan Hotel, Jos, on the 25th and 26th of July.

The participants were trained on  the need for more objective and peaceful reporting that is devoid of fanning the flames of conflict in Plateau State

Mr. Godwin Okoko, the Mercy Corp conflicts technical adviser for the CIPP project, while leading the session on conflict analysis, emphasized the significance of understanding all parties’ perceptions and the root causes of conflicts. The training also focused on building confidence, understanding the context and culture of involved parties, and adopting a positive approach in media narratives while addressing negative aspects.

According to Mr. Okoko, “Conflict reportage should encompass the profiling of causes, actors, and dynamics of the conflict. This will enable developmental and peace-building organizations to gain a better understanding of the context in which they operate and their role in the conflict.”

Gyang Bere, the director of press to the Governor of Plateau State, delivered a goodwill message during the training. He highlighted the crucial role of journalists in shaping opinions and impressions of events. Bello stressed the significance of early warning signals in conflict prevention and urged media practitioners to be mindful of their impact on any situation.

” I believe that this engagement will sharpen our horizon of conflict reportage and the duty of the media towards development. We need to keep in mind that our message can either make or mar a situation. Governor Mutfwang desires a peaceful Plateau where people can coexist in unity, irrespective of their backgrounds,” added Bello. “.

Representatives from various organizations also expressed the importance of responsible reporting and its contribution to peace-building efforts. Mr Gayi Timothy Gayi, the Acting Director General of the Plateau Peace-Building Agency (PPBA) acknowledged the media’s role in their previous successes and encouraged participants to utilize their outlets to reduce tension.

Brig-Gen. Gakji Shipi RTD, the special adviser to the Governor on security matters, addressed the challenges of security reporting, emphasizing the need for balanced and sensitive reporting. He urged journalists to approach criticism with love rather than hostility.

“One of the challenges in security reporting is how encountered threats are labeled and interpreted. Sometimes, non-religious issues are mistakenly portrayed as religious crises in media reports. The lack of balance in reporting where one side of the story dominating the narrative and disregard for national security and consequences are also concerning,” noted Shipi.

The State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha, stressed the gravity of Plateau’s challenges and expressed the agency’s commitment to ensuring accurate and responsible transmission of information.

Taiye Dashin, the Program Officer for the CIPP program, elaborated on the program’s objectives, which focus on training communities to promote peace for themselves and facilitating conditions necessary for sustainable peace. Dashin emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping narratives that can either fuel or prevent conflicts.

We believe that most of the narrative fuel the conflict which makes the role of the media so important. It is important to note that no information is useless.”

Dashin also explained how issues such as weak law enforcement, displacement of groups outside the locality, poor remuneration of staff, ethnicity and rivalry, incompatible land use, rising population, disputed land ownership, and insufficient natural resources can lead to conflict.

As part of the engagement the participants where divided into groups to highlight challenges of reporting conflict situations in specific Plateau communities, including Mangu, Reom, and Bassa and also provide recommendations in the form of a drama.

Regarding the success of the program, Godwin Okoko, the Mercy Corp conflicts ethical adviser for the CIPP program, commended the media participants for their unwavering dedication to peace-oriented reporting.

He said, “I am filled with joy knowing that we have passionate individuals who have earnestly committed themselves to fortifying peace structures and promoting social harmony through the inception of the plateau peace media network.”

“Our aspiration extends beyond the mere establishment of this group; we expect them to sustain the momentum. They will play a crucial role in advocating for peace, raising awareness, and supporting various initiatives to prevent conflicts both at the community and individual levels. Our hope is to witness a reduction in tension within communities, and we anticipate news reports that will not only build rather than destroy, but also strengthen the fabric of societal unity. Over the next six months, we anticipate seeing the positive impact of their endeavors, and our organization stands ready to provide unwavering support to their cause”.

Participants, including Adamu Baba, a community peace observer, expressed their newfound understanding of the importance of collaboration between conventional and online media and also other bodies for sustainable peace journalism. Mrs. Zianab Babaji, reporting for the voice of America Hausa service emphasized the need for journalists to prioritize humanity in their professionalism and to focus on national security while reporting.

At the end of the training the Plateau Peace Media Network was set up by participants, aimed at driving conflict sensitive reporting within the state and to further engage the conversation amongst other media houses. The event climaxed with the presentation certificates to participants to acknowledge their successful completion of the training.