Conflict-sensitive, behavioral change communication reporting as panacea for peaceful environment in Rivers

By Obiabin Onukwugha

Conflict-sensitive and behavioural change communication (BCC) reporting, have been emphasised as panacea for a peaceful environment in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region at large.

The emphasis was made at a two-day training on “Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Digital Media Peace Building,” for journalists, organised by the Search for Common Ground (SCG) in collaboration with the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Step-Up for Women in Journalism Initiative (SWIJ), in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

During the training, early warning, early reporting (EWER), conflict sensitivity, perception, professionalism and call to action were identified as key for peace building.

Speaking at the opening session, Search for Common Ground (SCG) Mass Media and Information Officer, Folashade Seye-Ojo, said the training is part of an EU funded project, implemented by the Search for Common Ground, Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), and the Social Democratic Network (SDN).

Seye-Ojo mentioned that the project, which spans 18 months is being currently implemented in 66 communities across three states of the Niger Delta namely; Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States. She revealed that the project is a community-centred approach for transforming criminality and violence in the Niger Delta region.

According to her, key issues being addressed by the project include; oil bunkering, cult violence, sea piracy, militarisation of the Niger Delta region, abuses by security forces against communities, inter communal conflict, and clashes. She also mentioned that underlying drivers of conflict identified by the.project included; limited economic opportunities, poverty and deprivation, environmental degradation and loss of livelihoods and discriminatory norms that marginalize youths and women.

Seye-Ojo underscored the role of journalism in building peace and urged journalists to move away from reports that fuel crisis to solution driven and developmental journalism.

She added that in reporting conflict-sensitive issues, journalists must take into consideration, the cultural, religious and behavioral patterns of the actors involved.

Speaking on “Journalism and Ethics,” Publisher of The Atlantic Bell,  Mr. Celestine Ogolo, charged  journalists to be conscious of the social responsibility, accuracy and objective ethics of the media profession.

Ogbolo, who was the former General Manager of the state-owned Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, observed that ownership structure and influence has contributed to challenges faced by journalists in carrying out their reports.

“Objectivity, fairness and accuracy are professional ethics expected to be upheld by the media in achieving good governance, sustainable development and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria,” he said.

Ogbolo stated that journalists must brace up with the challenges of digitization of information, and ensure they report facts in place of breaking news.

“We must take responsibility for our work, correct mistakes promptly and recognise that credibility is the profession’s most valuable asset. As the internet and digital media usage becomes increasingly widespread, it is a matter of strategic necessity for information gatherers and managers to fashion out practical strategies in the engagement of the various interest groups to abide by the code of ethics of the journalism profession,” he said.

Mass Media and Information Manager of Search for Common Grounds, Sunny Dada, in his presentation, emphasised the role of perception in reporting conflict. He said perceptions are shaped by life experiences, values and their environment, amongst others.

He also took journalists through digital tools and how to employ them in peace building. He added that recognizing online misinformation is essential to avoid spreading falsehood that could fuel conflicts.

Earlier. Chairman of NUJ  Rivers State chapter,  Paul Bazia, admonished the participants on the need to be positive change agents in society and not influence crises through unfounded reportage.

Key topics addressed during the training included; Conflict Sensitive Reporting, Common Ground Media Content for behavioral change, perception, digital peace building and media literacy, and active listening.