The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) initiated a three-day workshop designed to bolster the capacities of media professionals, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and its own staff in employing non-kinetic strategies to address the insurgency plaguing Nigeria’s northeast region. Held on Monday and organized by Ranlal Global Services Nigeria Ltd on the commission’s behalf, the workshop attracted over 100 participants. It centered on non-kinetic approaches, which prioritize non-destructive methods such as dialogue, strategic communication, and other peacebuilding initiatives, as critical tools for conflict resolution and sustainable peace in the region. The NEDC recognized the vital role these stakeholders play in shaping public narratives, fostering community engagement, and ultimately, contributing to a more peaceful and stable environment.
The NEDC emphasized the crucial role of non-kinetic approaches in achieving lasting peace. Abba Musa, Head of Corporate Affairs, represented by Naomi Abwaku, underscored the training’s objective to educate stakeholders on the significance of peacebuilding and collaborative partnerships in tackling the insurgency. The commission believes that relying solely on military solutions is insufficient to address the complex roots of the conflict. By equipping media, CSOs, and its staff with the skills and knowledge to promote non-violent solutions, the NEDC aims to facilitate a more comprehensive and effective response to the crisis. This aligns with a growing global understanding that sustainable peace requires addressing the underlying social, economic, and political factors driving conflict, in addition to security measures.
The workshop’s official opening was conducted by the Managing Director of NEDC, Goni Alkali, represented by the Director of Rehabilitation and Early Recovery, Sani Umar. Alkali stressed the vital link between a well-informed society and the role of journalists in facilitating this. He underscored the indispensable nature of the media in disseminating accurate information, fostering public understanding, and promoting constructive dialogue around the issues fueling the insurgency. The training recognized that journalists operate within a complex and often volatile environment, requiring specific skills and knowledge to report responsibly and contribute effectively to peacebuilding efforts.
Abubakar Kudu, the workshop organizer, lauded the NEDC for its support and highlighted the deliberate selection of participants. He emphasized that the workshop aimed to equip CSOs and journalists with the tools to effectively advocate for and promote non-kinetic approaches. This includes understanding the nuances of conflict-sensitive reporting, employing strategic communication techniques, and engaging in constructive dialogue with various stakeholders. The carefully curated participant list reflected the NEDC’s commitment to ensuring that the training reached those with the greatest potential to influence public opinion and contribute to peacebuilding initiatives.
Alhassan Yahya, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), represented by Abdulkareem Haruna, expressed his strong support for journalist training. He echoed the workshop’s focus on equipping journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of the profession, particularly in conflict zones. Yahya underscored the critical role of dialogue and strategic communication in countering insurgency and praised the NEDC for assembling a resourceful team of journalists for the training. He recognized that journalists are often at the forefront of conflict, facing significant risks while striving to provide accurate and timely information.
Professor Umar Pate, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, delivered a presentation on ‘Conflict-Sensitive Reporting: Principles and Best Practices.’ He emphasized the increasing regionalization of communication, often fueled by sentiment and biases, which can exacerbate conflicts. Pate urged journalists to transcend personal biases and prioritize objectivity in their reporting. He highlighted the importance of verifying information from reliable sources and avoiding the propagation of stereotypes and misinformation. Pate’s presentation underscored the ethical responsibilities of journalists in conflict zones, emphasizing their role in fostering understanding and promoting peaceful resolutions. His call for conflict-sensitive reporting served as a critical reminder of the power of media to either escalate tensions or contribute to peacebuilding.
