Media professionals in Osun State have been called upon to adopt conflict-sensitive and solution-driven journalism as part of efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in communities affected by communal clashes.
The call was made during a media and peacebuilding workshop themed “Equipping Media Professionals with Skills for Responsible Reporting During Communal Crises,” organised under the #PreachforPeace project in the state.
The workshop, which addressed recurring conflicts in Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun, was organised by Future Builders Initiative (FBI) in collaboration with Peace Education Advocacy and Climate Action for Development (PEACAD).
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of PEACAD, Akinremi Olawale, said the initiative was aimed at equipping journalists with the capacity to shape narratives that encourage peace, particularly in conflict-prone areas.
He explained that the #PreachforPeace project was introduced as a response to the prolonged communal crises involving Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun, noting that the conflicts have lasted for years and escalated significantly in recent times.
Olawale added that the project had engaged youths across the affected communities, with 10 participants drawn from each area, alongside traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders and youth groups.
He emphasised that journalists play a critical role in shaping public opinion, stressing the need for responsible reporting that fosters unity and reduces tension.
He disclosed that the project would, in the coming days, organise separate town hall meetings in the affected communities before bringing stakeholders together to deepen dialogue and strengthen mutual understanding.
Also speaking, a facilitator, Dr. Rasheed Adebiyi, urged journalists to exercise greater sensitivity when reporting communal conflicts, particularly those involving Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun.
He called for the adoption of solution journalism, noting that media coverage should go beyond reporting violence to highlighting efforts aimed at resolving disputes and promoting peace.
Adebiyi observed that studies have shown that conflict reporting in Nigeria is often problem-focused, with little attention given to peace-building initiatives.
In his presentation, Dr. Ridwan Kolawole of the Department of Language and Communication, University of Ibadan, described the media as a key partner in conflict de-escalation and peace promotion.
He warned against sensational reporting, bias, ethnic profiling and the use of inflammatory language, stressing that such practices could worsen tensions.
Kolawole noted that although Osun State is relatively peaceful, sustaining harmony requires respect for individual rights and peaceful coexistence among communities.
He added that media reports significantly influence public perception and can either escalate or reduce conflicts, citing historical examples from countries such as Rwanda and Somalia to underscore the consequences of irresponsible reporting.
