Business partners train editors, reporters on conflict reporting

A two-day training workshop for editors and reporters of various media organisations is on the way in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The training session, put together by the Institute of Governance and Social Research, in collaboration with Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme and the UK Department of for International Development is to update journalists on the need for adherence to the essential core standards of journalism.

Declaring the session open, the Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, challenged media practitioners in the country to take proactive measures toward addressing unprofessional and biased reportage.

Lalong said free flow of information should not be hindered, adding that the media should have all the necessary space to contribute to the dissemination of information and knowledge with the objective of creating and informing the general public to contribute to nation building and development.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Sonny Tyoden, said ethical and professional standards are required to make the best out of the pivotal role of good journalism.

He said: “As we all know, the media plays an increasingly important role in today’s society, that freedom of expression, implying the freedom of the press, has a clear impact on development, democracy and security.”

Lalong pledged that his administration, which has the slogan of change to attitude, will give journalists in the state a good platform to ensure a good working relationship.

Earlier, the President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research, Prof. Isawa Elaigwu, said journalists should be professional and objective in their reportage, especially while reporting violence or conflict in the society.

Elaigwu noted that the aim and objective of the training, with the theme: “Conflict-sensitive reporting,: was conceived to strengthen journalists in areas of conflict management in the state and beyond.

Former Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Tom Adaba, while delivering a keynote address during the workshop, also noted that a journalist in a conflict situation should be a peace maker, peace keeper and a peace builder.

Adaba appealed to media to concentrate on how to use their pen in promoting diverse cultural heritage of our people rather than publish issues that bring disunity amongst us.

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