By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The North East Youth Intitiative For Development (NEYIF) in collaboration with the Sokoto state ministry of Information and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sokoto state chapter commenced a 3 day training for journalists on Prevention of Violent Extremism In Sokoto state.
The training, held at the SoulCare Garden Hotels, Sokoto had, “Responsible Journalism As A Tool Of Promoting Sustainable Peace and Development”,
Reeling out the workshop objective, NEYIF, Executive Director, Alhaji Dauda Gombe said, he is confident that the knowledge to be gained will help build media practitioners capacity to report sensitively and accurately on violence, radicalization and peace issues.
He also added that, participating journalists will develop practical skills on content development, ICT, and peace reporting as well as support Preventing and Countering Violent Esreemism (P/CVE) programme lifecycle through informed communication and community engagement.
While admitting that journalists are critical stakeholders in peace building despite noticeable bisases bat times, Dauda Gombe stressed that,“every development in the world is tied to journalism because of the trust and reach of their messages”.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to governor Ahmed Aliyu on Strategic Communication, Alhaji Nuradden Mahe, acknowledged the media’s influence in shaping public perception and promoting social harmony.
“This training will undoubtedly empower journalists with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively counter violent ideologies and promote tolerance, understanding, and social cohesion,” Mahe submitted.
Earlier, Sokoto State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Alhaji Sambo Danchadi—represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Maigari admitted that NEYIF and other NGOs are wonderful committed to ensuring unhindered peace and development of the state.
Speaking in his goodwill message, Sokoto state NUJ Chairman, Usman Binji, thanked the organisers for bringing over 50 journalists together for re not only on professional ethics, but also serving as peace ambassadors in their reportage.
