Practicing journalists in Nigeria have been charged to take seriously their watchdog role in the society, by holding government accountable to the people and ensure good governance, with focus especially on practices that could translate into Violent Extremism.
This was part of the Communique issued at the end of a two-day Media Master class Training on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) in Kano and Kaduna States, organized by ActionAid Nigeria, held at Hotel Seventeen, from 20th – 21st February, 2024, Kaduna State. The communique was E-signed by Bashir Bello Murpheus Major-Idoko Nonye Juliet Ekwenugo and Safiya Tanko
In addition, the communique said Journalists should engage economic policies for national development and beam their search light on projects with plans to address factors or drivers of violence extremism.
The communique which read in part said “That Journalists should amplify interventions of ActionAid with the intervention on SARVE III by beaming their searchlight on projects which could trigger Violent Extremism.
“That Journalists should improve their skills in the areas of observation, eye for details, listening skills and immerse themselves in world of the subject in order to come up (write) with a compelling story using the language of narratives.
“That Journalists should embrace Solution Journalism, Investigative journalism, Data journalism, Fact Checker among others.That Journalists should be cautious of terminologies used while reporting conflict and avoid inflammatory content.
“That Journalists should focus on reporting that breeds tolerance not the one that inflames conflict.That Media reports should be accurate, impartial, fair, objective, and responsible not to cause violent conflict.That Journalist should be trained on risk protection before embarking on any violence report.That Journalists should give voice to peacemakers and tolerance seekers.
THE COMMUNIQUE IN FULL
Communique at the end of a two-day Media Masterclass Training on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) in Kano and Kaduna States, organised by ActionAid Nigeria held @ Hotel Seventeen from 20th – 21st February, 2024, Kaduna State
Through the funding provided by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), The System Structure and Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) project in Kaduna and Kano States, is an innovation of ActionAid Nigeria in partnership with Global Peace Development and Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative (DRDI-DAG) aimed at equipping communities with sustainable ability, capacity and structures to utilize available resources to prevent radicalization, respond to, withstand and overcome impact of adverse violence extremism should it occur. Introduction ActionAid Nigeria works closely with the media in amplifying community voices promoting, protecting, and preserving the rights of vulnerable groups.
Through various media training and engagements with media houses and media professionals, with a specific focus on holding government accountable on proffered mechanisms to tackle extremism which is fast becoming a major hindrance to development.
It is apparent that there are strong linkages between good governance and peace building, most importantly the media plays key roles in promoting good governance through advocacy and policy influencing. Media both print and electronic help citizens get acquainted with happenings around their local environment and advocate for better governance to people significantly youth who are more susceptible for radicalisation to violent extremism.
Recognising that the media are key stakeholders in advocating for good governance to prevent violent extremism. ActionAid Nigeria is ensuring that the media is equipped with the right knowledge and skills to play key role for policy influencing towards good governance to PVE at the community, state, and national level.
In pursuance of this goal, a two-day master class media training was conducted with the theme: Strengthening Media Advocacy for Fiscal Responsibility and Good Governance to PVE. Observations Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal.Lack of good governance in form of unemployment, poverty, exclusion, or marginalization and in access to services were identified as factors responsible for conflict and Violent Extremism.45.49 million of persons (representing 34.2 per cent) who are multi-dimensionally poor, or poverty resides in the Northwest (Kano and Kaduna inclusive). This number accounts for the largest population of persons who are multi-dimensionally poor in the country and a driver of Violent Extremism.Violent Extremism requires interventions to protect the security of people and assets (Source UNDP).
Sections of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria such as the Section 16 (e), Section 22 and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 which empowers them to hold government accountable.Culture, race and religion should have no influence on our reporting. We are supposed to be colour-blind.Conflict reporting is very sensitive hence the need for continuous training and retraining for the journalists.
The Media has a role to play in conflict prevention, conflict management and post conflict reconstruction.The role of the media is not to be mouthpiece or propaganda tool.
The role of the media is to approach reporting as seeker of truth.Role of media for Social Cohesion prioritising report that promote tolerance, understanding between communities.
While reporting, ensuring a balanced story is imperative.Our choice of words/vocabulary can make or mar our reports. As journalists, our tools (words, sounds and images) should be applied to foster understanding instead of fears and myths As journalist, we should be discreet in reporting and precautionary measure should be used when covering any report on conflicts/ violence.
Some of the leaders we look up to are the ones making money out of conflict, some of them are conflict entrepreneur.
Resolutions
That journalists were charged on their watchdog role in the society to hold government accountable to ensure good governance, with focus especially on interventions that could translate into Violent Extremism.
That Journalists should engage economic policies for national development to beam their search light on projects with plans to address factors or drivers of violence extremism.
That Journalists should amplify interventions of ActionAid with the intervention on SARVE III by beaming their searchlight on projects which could trigger Violent Extremism.
That Journalists should improve their skills in the areas of observation, eye for details, listening skills and immerse themselves in world of the subject in order to come up (write) with a compelling story using the language of narratives.
That Journalists should embrace Solution Journalism, Investigative journalism, Data journalism, Fact Checker among others.That Journalists should be cautious of terminologies used while reporting conflict and avoid inflammatory content.
That Journalists should focus on reporting that breeds tolerance not the one that inflames conflict.That Media reports should be accurate, impartial, fair, objective, and responsible not to cause violent conflict.That Journalist should be trained on risk protection before embarking on any violence report.That Journalists should give voice to peacemakers and tolerance seekers.
E-signed Bashir Bello Murpheus Major-Idoko Nonye Juliet Ekwenugo Safiya Tanko
