Stakeholders in the media industry have called for a shift towards peace-building journalism that promotes conflict resolution, social responsibility, and national cohesion.
The call was made during a forum organised by the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day in Port Harcourt.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Christopher Ochonogor if the University of Port Harcourt urged journalists to embrace what he described as “peace journalism,” a model that prioritises conflict resolution and discourages reports capable of escalating tension, violence, and criminality.
“Focus on solutions, not just the problems,” Ochonogor advised. “The goal should be to resolve conflicts before they snowball into full-blown crises.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Rivers State NUJ, Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, stressed the need to guarantee the safety and security of journalists, noting that a secure environment is critical for the media to effectively perform its watchdog role.
He lamented that his administration assumed office at a time when political tensions were high and concerns over journalists’ safety were prevalent in the state.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, underscored the importance of a free press in safeguarding human rights, enhancing security, and driving national development.
Nwuke, a former Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, urged journalists to uphold professionalism and truthfulness in their reportage, particularly in an era marked by the proliferation of fake news and unverified information.
He emphasised that fact-checking has become indispensable in modern journalism, warning that misinformation and reckless citizen journalism could trigger avoidable conflicts and destabilise society.
The event, held at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre in Port Harcourt, featured discussions centred on this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” with a sub-theme, “Fact-Checking as a Tool for Peace Building.”
Participants at the forum collectively agreed that responsible journalism anchored on accuracy, balance, and conflict sensitivity remains vital to fostering peace and sustainable development in society.
