The North East Youth Initiative Forum (NEYIF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Sokoto State Ministry of Information, has commenced a three-day training for journalists and public information officers on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE).
The workshop is themed “Responsible Journalism as a Tool for Promoting Sustainable Peace and Development.” It aims to enhance the capacity of media professionals in ethical reporting, peacebuilding, and community engagement.
The Commissioner for Information, Sambo Bello Danchadi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bashir Maigari—commended the initiative and reiterated the state government’s commitment to peace under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
The State Chairman of the Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Usman Binji acknowledged that in matters of peace building, NEYIF is a partner to always collaborate with. “We will do everything it takes to work with the organisation.”
NEYIF Executive Director, Dauda Muhammad Gombe, emphasized the media’s influence in shaping public perception and highlighted the need to equip journalists with the skills to report responsibly on sensitive issues such as insurgency and radicalization.
“This workshop is equip journalists on how to report with care in conflict situations – learning to use words that heal, not harm; get a clear understanding of journalism’s role in building peaceful, thriving communities, as well as help them apply stronger ethics and fact-checking skills – staying true to the story, not the spin,” he said.
According to him, although there should be no bais in journalism, many media organizations across the world are baised based on certain interests that they protect.
Day one featured presentations including “Introduction to P/CVE: Concepts and Context”, “Indicators and Early Warning Signs of Violent Extrwmism”, “The Role of the Family and Community in Preventing Violent Extremism”, and “Ethical Reporting on Violence, Conflict, and Terroeism”.
Journalists rose from the first day of the workshop with the understanding that P/CVE helps people, especially young people, to choose peace over violence. It helps to tackle the frustrations and fears that push individuals toward extremist groups, like poverty, injustice, or feeling unheard.
It also means stepping in early, through education, dialogue, and community support, to guide those at risk back to safer, more positive paths.
ASHENEWS reports that, at its heart, P/CVE is about building hope, trust, and opportunities so people don’t see violence as their only option.
