Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
To promote peace and sustainable development in Sokoto State, the Northeast Youth Initiative for Development (NEYIF), in partnership with the Sokoto State Ministry of Information and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto, on Wednesday, held a 3-day training workshop for journalists on the prevention of violent extremism.
The training, which took place at Soul care Garden Hotel in Sokoto Metropolis, brought together over 50 journalists from across the state under the theme: “Responsible Journalism as a Tool for Promoting Sustainable Peace and Development.”
The event emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping narratives, fostering social cohesion, and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Executive Director of NEYIF, Comrade Dauda Mohammed Gombe highlighted the importance of empowering journalists with the knowledge and tools to report responsibly, especially in regions vulnerable to conflict.
“The media can either escalate or de-escalate tensions,” he noted. “Our goal is to ensure that the press becomes a force for unity and resilience, not division.”
The State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Sambo Bello Danchadi represented by his permanent secretary Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Maigari echoed similar sentiments, stressing the state government’s commitment to promoting peace through strategic communication.
“As a government, we believe that peace is non-negotiable. We are proud to support initiatives that strengthen responsible journalism as a cornerstone of democracy and social stability.”
Key sessions at the workshop included modules on ethical reporting, conflict sensitive journalism, counter narratives to violent extremism, and the psychological impact of media content on public perception.
Facilitators comprised seasoned journalists, security experts, and peacebuilding professionals.
The Chairman of the NUJ Sokoto Council, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
“This training is an eye-opener. Our members are leaving here better equipped to handle the delicate task of reporting in a manner that contributes to peace rather than inciting violence,” he said.
Participants also engaged in group discussions and scenario based learning, culminating in the drafting of a “Sokoto Media Peace Pact,” a voluntary commitment by journalists to uphold principles of responsible journalism in their daily work.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward building a media landscape that champions peace, counters extremist narratives, and supports sustainable development efforts in Sokoto and beyond.
As Nigeria continues to confront security challenges, such initiatives serve as a beacon of hope, reinforcing the media’s potential as a powerful agent of positive change.
