KatsinaTimes, July 17, 2025
Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic has organised a sensitisation workshop on Conflict-Sensitive Journalism for students of the Department of Mass Communication as part of efforts to promote peace in Nigeria’s conflict-prone regions.
The workshop, held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, was part of the Nigeria–Benin Border Communities Peace Initiative, aimed at strengthening collaboration and fostering peace across Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger States.
The event was organised by the Common Ground Journalists Forum, Katsina Chapter, in partnership with Search for Common Ground, and supported by other national and international organisations working on peacebuilding and responsible media.
Declaring the workshop open, the Head of the Mass Communication Department at the Polytechnic emphasised the critical timing of the event, stressing that journalists play an influential role in conflict situations.
“Whether knowingly or unknowingly, journalists are among the key actors in any conflict. They are the eyes of society – monitoring government and community dynamics – and the narratives they shape can either promote peace or deepen divides,” he said.
Veteran journalist and General Manager of Gram FM Katsina, Alhaji Abdulhamid Sabo, delivered an in-depth presentation on the distinction between conflict and violence. He urged students to understand the root causes of disputes before publishing their stories.
“Conflict can exist between just two individuals, but violence often emerges from organised groups seeking retaliation. As journalists, the stories you publish can either calm tensions or ignite new ones,” he noted.
Tijjani Muhammad of Daily Trust also spoke at the event, focusing on the importance of using neutral and constructive language in reporting. He encouraged future journalists to choose words carefully and deliberately.
“The words we use have consequences. Journalists are the first historians of any conflict. We must constantly ask ourselves: will this report foster peace or escalate tensions?” he said.
He added that journalism is not activism but a discipline rooted in ethics, fairness, and factual accuracy.
Representatives from Search for Common Ground highlighted the important role communication students play in promoting peace, especially in volatile states like Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger.
“You, the Mass Communication students, are tomorrow’s journalists. You have the power to shape society by reporting verified facts from the ground – not rumour and speculation,” one representative said.
The workshop served as a powerful educational platform for aspiring journalists, equipping them with the knowledge to contribute to peace through meaningful and ethical reporting.
The programme continues as part of broader peacebuilding initiatives across Northern Nigeria, with support from both local and international partners.
