SOKOTO — Media practitioners and social media influencers have been urged to use their platforms responsibly to promote peace, social cohesion and responsible leadership, particularly when reporting sensitive issues capable of heightening tensions.
The call was made during a two-day Conflict Sensitivity Training for Media Practitioners and Influencers held in Sokoto State in August 2026.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, stressed the importance of peace to development, security and peaceful coexistence.
He urged journalists and other influential voices to avoid narratives capable of deepening religious, ethnic, political and communal divisions.
The Sultan noted that the media has significant power to shape public opinion and influence human behaviour, making responsible and conflict-sensitive reporting important in efforts to reduce tensions and promote peace.
The training was organised under the Resilience, Engagement, and Conflict-Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection (RECAP) Project, involving organisations including International Alert, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children Initiative and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), with European Union support.
Participants were trained on conflict-sensitive journalism, verification and rumour management, narrative framing, disinformation, digital verification and the responsible use of media during sensitive situations.
Organisers said the objective was not to prevent journalists from reporting conflict, but to encourage accurate reporting that provides context and avoids unnecessarily escalating tensions.
The programme also provided for the establishment of a Community of Practice to enable participating journalists, influencers and other stakeholders to continue sharing knowledge and strengthening conflict-sensitive reporting practices after the training.
The development comes as public discourse around governance, security and the 2027 general elections continues to intensify, placing greater importance on accurate, balanced and responsible information across traditional and digital media platforms.
