The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has launched a three-day workshop to strengthen the capacity of media professionals, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and its staff on the use of non-kinetic approaches to tackle insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast.
The workshop, which commenced on Monday, brought together over 100 participants and was organized by Ranlal Global Services Nigeria Ltd on behalf of the commission. The training emphasized non-kinetic strategies such as dialogue, strategic communication, and peacebuilding as effective tools for addressing insurgency without the use of force.
Speaking at the event, Abba Musa, NEDC’s Head of Corporate Affairs, represented by Naomi Abwaku, underscored the importance of peace-focused interventions. “The need for non-kinetic approaches, which emphasize peacebuilding and partnerships, is crucial to addressing insurgency,” Musa said.
Declaring the workshop open, the Managing Director of NEDC, Goni Alkali, represented by Sani Umar, Director of Rehabilitation and Early Recovery, reiterated the role of journalists and CSOs in shaping public perception and fostering peace. “This workshop reflects the shared commitment between journalists and an informed society. Your role is indispensable,” he emphasized.
The organiser, Abubakar Kudu, lauded the commission for its foresight in approving the workshop. “This initiative aims to equip CSOs and journalists with tools to promote non-kinetic approaches in combating insurgency and building sustainable peace. The participants were intentionally selected for their strategic role,” Kudu noted.
In his address, Alhassan Yahya, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), represented by Abdulkareem Haruna, praised the NEDC for prioritizing media training. He emphasized that dialogue and strategic communication are essential in addressing the challenges posed by insurgency.
“Dialogue and communication are vital to winning the war against insurgency. I commend NEDC for engaging a resourceful team of journalists to promote peacebuilding,” Yahya said.
Delivering a key presentation on ‘Conflict-Sensitive Reporting: Principles and Best Practices’, Professor Umar Pate, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, highlighted the growing regionalization of communication and the dangers of sentiment-driven reporting.
“People often carry stereotypes based on unreliable sources. As journalists, you must rise above your biases and report responsibly to foster peace,” Pate urged.
The workshop represents a strategic effort to enhance the role of media and CSOs in promoting sustainable solutions to insurgency through non-violent means. Participants were urged to utilize the training to amplify narratives that prioritize dialogue, understanding, and community resilience.