Journalists in Osun State have been urged to adopt conflict-sensitive and solution-driven reporting to support peacebuilding efforts, particularly in communities affected by recurring clashes.
The call was made during a media training organised under the #PreachforPeace project by Peace Education Advocacy and Climate Action for Development, (PEACAD) in partnership with Future Builders Initiative.
The Executive Director of PEACAD, Akinremi Olawale, said the training was aimed at guiding media practitioners to shape narratives that promote reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, especially in communities such as Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun where conflicts have persisted.
“We believe the media are the voices that shape narratives and perspectives. What we want is to help streamline reporting in a way that promotes peace and reconciliation in the communities,” he said.
According to him, the project focuses on addressing the long-standing crisis among the three communities, noting that while residents desire peace, the absence of structured processes has continued to hinder resolution efforts.
He added that the initiative has included training for youths drawn from the affected communities, as well as engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community groups.
Olawale said the next phase of the project would involve town hall meetings to deepen dialogue and foster mutual understanding among stakeholders.
One of the facilitators, a lecturer in the Department of Language and Communication at the University of Ibadan, Ridwan Kolawole, who spoke on “Media as a Partner for Peace,” said journalists must be conscious of their role in shaping public perception during conflicts.
He noted that his research over the past seven to eight years has focused on how the media can promote peace and de-escalate tensions.
Kolawole cautioned journalists against the use of sensational language, partisanship, and the profiling of ethnic groups in conflict reporting.
“If we promote peace, we will enjoy peace. If we do not, we are likely to become victims of the same society,” he said.
He stressed that media reports remain influential in shaping public opinion, adding that what journalists publish can either escalate or de-escalate conflicts.
Also speaking, Dr Rasheed Adebiyi who is also a facilitator said the training was designed to introduce journalists to solution journalism approaches in reporting conflicts.
He noted that coverage of the crisis has largely focused on violence and clashes, with limited attention to peacebuilding efforts.
“As journalists, we need to go beyond reporting crises as they occur and begin to highlight initiatives that can resolve the conflict and ensure lasting peace,” he said.
Adebiyi urged participants to apply the principles of peace journalism and solution-oriented reporting to help address recurring crises and support long-term peace in the affected communities.
