The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the Kaduna State Ministry of Information, convened a one-day workshop on Peace Reporting for National development in Kaduna.

The workshop was attended by representatives of 30 media organizations working in the State, communication scholars, peace building actors, and representatives of government institutions and civil society organisations.

In his keynote address, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab, described peace journalism as the “heartbeat of transformation” capable of fostering reconciliation, dialogue, and social healing. He stated that the media holds a moral responsibility to promote narratives that unite rather than divide.

He emphasized that “Peace reportage is not about suppressing the truth; it is about presenting it with empathy, balance, and purpose to heal and not to hurt.”
Citing Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery and South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation process, he encouraged Nigerian media houses to invest in training and to collaborate with peacebuilding organisations, adding that “We are one family under God, and the stories we tell must unite us, not divide us.”

Delivering the keynote presentation titled “Kaduna Peace Model: From Fear to Hope – The Role of the Media”, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki*, highlighted the devastating effects of insecurity in Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, during which the state recorded over *4,800 deaths and *thousands of kidnappings.

He explained that the Kaduna Peace Model—developed in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)—relies on dialogue, intelligence sharing, inclusion, and socio-economic renewal rather than force.

Maiyaki noted that over 500 kidnapped persons had been released through negotiations and community mediation efforts. He further shared examples of former bandits who have embraced peace and now serve as mediators.
He stated: “You cannot bomb peace into existence; you must build it with trust.”

He urged journalists to amplify peace successes instead of fear-driven narratives.

In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Hajiya Maryam Suka, expressed appreciation for the workshop and reaffirmed the responsibility of journalists to shape narratives that promote unity.

She noted that: “As reporters, we shape public opinion; let’s choose to shape it toward unity and development.”
She encouraged participants to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting and use the Kaduna Peace Model as a reference point.

The Guest Lecturer and Head of the Department of Strategic Communications and Media Studies at Kaduna Polytechnic, Mrs. Fatimah Shuaibu delivered a lecture titled “Peace Building: Media as a Shield for National Growth.”

She examined Nigeria’s conflict history and emphasized that the nation’s diversity should serve as a source of strength. She identified the challenges posed by misinformation and hate speech, especially on social media, and urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information, and consciously promote peace and social cohesion.

The workshop participants collectively reaffirmed the role of the media as a central force in Peace building and national transformation.

WAY FORWARD / RESOLUTIONS

To strengthen peace journalism and support sustainable national transformation, participants resolved as follows:

1. Media organizations should institutionalize regular training on peace reporting and conflict-sensitive journalism.
2. Newsrooms should create dedicated sections or programmes for peacebuilding and reconciliation stories.
3. Journalists should verify information and avoid sensationalism, misinformation, and hate-driven reporting.
4. Collaborations should be strengthened among media institutions, government agencies, security stakeholders, traditional institutions, and civil society groups.
5. Success stories of peace efforts, including the reintegration of repentant offenders and community mediation initiatives, should be highlighted to inspire hope.
6. Grassroots peace narratives should be elevated to give voice to community-level peace actors and local resilience.
7. Ethical standards and professional codes should be upheld to protect public trust and strengthen national unity.
8. Support should continue for the Kaduna Peace Model as a living framework that demonstrates how dialogue, engagement, and trust can transform conflict situations into cooperation.

CONCLUSION

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to championing peace reporting as a professional, moral, and national duty.
They expressed belief that through responsible media engagement, Nigeria can move **from fear to hope, from conflict to unity, and from division to national transformation.

END