Journalists have been urged to use positive narrative and perspective to engender the peace and development of Nigeria as an integral part of Africa.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Qasim Akinreti made the call while giving a keynote address at the opening of a “2-day 2017 Peace Media Parley” held in Lagos last Tuesday.
Themed “Picture Africa for Peace and Love Initiatives,” the training was jointly organised by African Foundation/Projects for Peace and Love Initiative (AFPLI) and BudgIT.
Akinreti noted that it was imperative for journalists to explore different narrative and perspective about peace in order to address and proffer lasting solutions to issues confronting Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
He said journalists should begin to engage people and stakeholders on issues that will promote peace and the development of our society.
“Don’t picture Africa for war, violence and disease. Don’t picture Nigeria as a crises zone rather, picture Africa for peace and development. Journalists must begin to embrace developmental journalism. We must be solution-oriented,” Akinreti said.
In an address, the founder of AFPLI, Dr. Titus Oyeyemi urged journalists to be peace mediators.
Oyeyemi noted that the training was aimed at giving cartoonists, journalists and photojournalist hands-on training on developmental reporting and photojournalism to foster peace in our communities.
“Our communities have been torned apart which is not necessary. We need to mend our society. The task essentially rests on the shoulders of journalists. This will help help us live together in peace and harmony as a people.
” The role of cartoonists and photojournalism falls within the concept of developmental journalism, a new feature in journalism,” he added.
Oyeyemi however, urged cartoonists and photojournalists to make “creative noise, creative faith and creative activities out of their cartoons and photos.”
One of the facilitators and Editor, African Development Information Service, Mr. Rotimi Sankore urged the participants to maximize data and contextualize their work in order not to fall into prejudice.
Speaking on “Harnessing the Opportunities in Traka.com Tool by BudgIT.com,” Ilevbaoje Uademen called for a working partnership with journalists in telling their stories.
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