Journalists in Nigeria have converged to develop a media guide on reporting “Freedom of Religion and Belief.”
They are meeting in a 3- day workshop organized by a Non-Governmental Organization, Search for Common Ground being held in Abuja, the nation’s capital
The NGO’s Interim Country Director, Fatima Madaki said that the workshop focuses on conflict-sensitive reporting within the framework of freedom of religion or belief
“Journalism wields immense influence over public opinion and societal perceptions and so it is a duty that should be carried out ethically, responsibly and sensitively. Our workshop acknowledges the complexities that arise when covering issues that can be deeply personal and intertwined with cultural, social, and political dynamics. We recognize that these issues are not just news stories but narratives that shape identities, values and relationships.“
She noted that understanding the principles of common ground journalism could dispel misinformation and contribute to a world where freedom of religion or belief is celebrated as a cornerstone of diversity and harmony.
The Project Manager, Daniel Ogabiela, said that many incidents were being reported insensitively leading to more conflicts, hence the need for the workshop.
“We feel like if we are going to be working with media practitioners, which is one of the strategic objectives of our project, then do training on conflict sensitive reporting, we will be enhancing freedom of religion and beliefs among the populace,“ Ogabiela said.
He added that the media guide curriculum on reporting religion when developed would be used to train more journalists across the country.
PIAK
