Media Practitioners in Nigeria have been called to be guided by the ethics of the profession for Peace and Development to thrive in Nigeria.
Speakers made the call at a one day workshop organised by Nigeria’s Christian and Muslim Media Practitioners with the theme: “Peace Building and Promotion of Religious Tolerance” in Abuja, Nigeria.
Vice Chancellor, Veritas University of Nigeria, Professor Hyacinth Ichoku described the media as “the image of the society and a tool for building a peaceful nation”.
Also speaking was the President, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdylraman Baligun.
He noted that “media Practitioners are to set agendas and attend to issues affecting humanity.”
The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Reverend Yakubu Pam noted that the negative effects of social media, even the main stream media has on the society recently cannot be overemphasised.
He also called on the two religious bodies not to address issues the way others did.
Religious leader’s contribution to nation building is enormous. They should have interest of the country beyond their own interests and shun unnecessary rivalry as such destroys the nation.
“With the challenges of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria, positive use of social media breeds peace and development in every society.
Media if not properly managed in the era of social media will lead to crises particularly between Christian and Muslim religions in Nigeria.
Communication has been a challenge in recent times.
The nation takes precedence and it’s interest should be paramount by media being it’s good projectors.
Rivalry has been the trigger which destroyed the development and peace of the nation.
To build a country irrespective of religion through mutual dialogue will chat a way forward for a new Nigeria.
He commended the initiative by the Catholic Church to collaborate with Muslim brothers to put up such a programme.
Lateefah Ibrahim
