A university Don, Dr Mohammed Dantala Aliyu, has appealed to journalists to prioritize accuracy over being the first to break news as misinformation can lead to dire consequences in society.
Aliyu, who lectures at the Justice Fati Lami Abubakar Institute for Legal and Administrative Studies (FLAILAS), made the call at a one day sensitization for Journalists and mass communication students held at FLAILAS in Minna organized by Search for Common Ground (SFCG ) under the Nigeria-Benin Border Communities Peace Initiative.
The training is aimed at strengthening collaboration between media practitioners and peace actors.
In a paper titled, “Understanding the Roots of Conflict,”; he emphasized that journalists should endeavour to fact-check and ensure balanced reporting, considering national interest and national security.
He urged media practitioners to avoid sensationalism and strive for objectivity in their stories on issues that could cause conflict in the face of various challenges confronting the nation.
“Society is looking up to the media and that is why, we should try to be objective and ensure our stories are balanced before going to the press, ”; Dr Aliyu said.
Thr Chairman of the Kwara/Niger SFCG Media Team, Daniel Atori, in his presentation on “The Role of the Media in Peacebuilding.”; urged journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession by promoting factual, balanced reporting and steering clear of inciting or judgmental narratives.
The Niger State representative of the organization, Michael Daniel Dungyila, highlighted the organization’s mission and its ongoing efforts to build peaceful communities through grassroots engagement and strategic communication.
Earlier, Priscilla Dennis, the Niger State Media Team Lead of SFCG, explained that the sensitization programme was aimed at improving understanding and response to conflict, particularly in vulnerable border regions.
”;The gathering is a significant step towards fostering a culture of peace in communities. We aim to improve the perception of peace and security in our state and change attitudes as well as improve knowledge,”; she stated.
