By Kabido News
Kaduna, Retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman has underscored the critical role of the media in peacebuilding, calling for responsible reporting and constructive dialogue as essential tools for sustaining peace in Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Press Week organised by the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) at Barfa Hotel and Suites, Kaduna, the former Director of Army Public Relations delivered a presentation titled “Media as Catalyst for Peace: Strengthening the Kaduna State Model through Responsible Reporting and Constructive Dialogue.”
Brig. Gen. Usman described Kaduna State as a microcosm of Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity, noting that while the state has experienced cycles of violent conflict, it has also pioneered innovative peacebuilding efforts through the Kaduna State Peace Model (KPM). According to him, the model, formerly coordinated by the Kaduna State Peace Commission, emphasised dialogue, inclusivity, early warning systems and community ownership as non-kinetic approaches to conflict prevention.
He stressed that the media, as the fourth estate of the realm, has immense power to either promote peace or inflame tensions, particularly in conflict-prone environments. Citing former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, he noted that while the media can foster understanding, irresponsible reporting can deepen divisions and escalate violence.
The retired general highlighted the dangers of misinformation, sensationalism and unverified reporting, especially in the age of digital and social media. He urged journalists to embrace peace journalism, an approach that goes beyond reporting violence to examining root causes of conflict, amplifying peace efforts and giving voice to all stakeholders.
Brig. Gen. Usman also emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue, noting that structured engagements such as interfaith roundtables, town hall meetings and community peace dialogues have significantly reduced tensions in parts of Kaduna State. He said the media plays a vital role in amplifying these dialogues and shaping public discourse towards cooperation rather than confrontation.
On collaboration, he called for stronger synergy between government, the media and local communities, warning that delayed or fragmented communication during crises creates space for rumours and fear. He advocated for transparent government communication, continuous training for journalists in conflict-sensitive reporting, and improved media literacy at the community level.
Reflecting on past successes, Usman lamented the disbandment of the Kaduna State Peace Commission, describing it as a vital institutional framework that should be reconstituted and strengthened. He proposed the establishment of a Media Peace Compact in Kaduna State, alongside peace journalism fellowships and local-language fact-checking mechanisms to counter misinformation.
In his conclusion, Brig. Gen. Usman urged journalists to see themselves as custodians of social harmony, noting that sustainable peace is only possible when communication is ethical, inclusive and truth-driven.
“Without communication, there is no peace,” he said, quoting the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as he called for renewed commitment to responsible journalism as a foundation for peace, unity and development in Kaduna State and beyond.