By Vincess Okushi
Experts in conflict management have urged the media to make their safety a topmost priority while covering conflict to be alive to tell the story.
The group made the call at the closing of a two-day International Capacity Building Training for Journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting organized by Global Rights in the nation’s capital Abuja.
Speaking at the training, the Executive Director of, the National Centre for Investigative Reporting, ICIR, Dayo Aiyetan said Journalists need to embark on research finding before covering conflicts to achieve a balanced reportage as well as guarantee their safety. “If Journalists conduct in-depth research and maintain balance during reportage, they will end up reducing conflict even though they never set out to do that in the first instance.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Anambra State Truth, Peace, and Justice Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, hinted that as journalists they should be cautious of the terrain adding that no story is greater than their lives.
According to him, “Conflict is money and as such, Journalists must protect themselves, and must be very careful in dealing with people around them.”
Earlier, the Premium Times Editor in Chief, Mojeed Musikilu, also learned his voice on the need to ensure accuracy and objectivity in conflict reporting.
“Journalists ensure they gather accurate information concerning any conflict report they file, to avoid inciting the people.”
The training is aimed at equipping the media to boost their Safety and Protection in the course of their duties.
