BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE need for media sensitivity and its central role in reporting and resolving communal issues, as well as transforming criminality and violence in the Niger Delta, was emphasised at a three-day training organised by international non-governmental organisation, Search for Common Ground Nigeria.
The training, held in Asaba from September 2nd–4th, gathered media stakeholders across the region. It was funded by the European Union (EU) in collaboration with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN).
Giving an overview of the 18-month project covering 66 communities in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mass Media and Information Management Coordinator for Search for Common Ground Nigeria, Mrs Folashade Seye-Ojo, explained that the training was designed to address recurring issues of violent criminality including oil bunkering, cult clashes, inter-communal conflicts, the militarisation of communities, and widening intergenerational and intra-communal divisions.
In her lecture on defining conflict and violence, Seye-Ojo stressed that violence extends beyond physical harm. “Violence is not only direct, as in causing immediate harm, suffering or injury, it can also be cultural, hidden in traditions and social systems, or structural, embedded in political and economic inequalities. Conflict, if approached constructively, is an opportunity to understand different perspectives, address injustices and realise that change is needed,” she said.
Also speaking, a facilitator, Mr Suny Dada, dwelt on adversarial and collaborative approaches in conflict reporting and highlighted the visible and invisible dynamics at play.
He stressed that journalists must go beyond surface-level events to probe deeper into underlying causes. “Conflict analysis helps us understand the root causes and the ripple effects of violence. It exposes the dividers and connectors within a community. There should be stakeholders’ mapping, whether they hold high or low, negative or positive influence. Reporters must also be deliberate in following up, protecting sensitive information, and linking their analysis to practical action,” Dada emphasised.
Meanwhile, Mrs Ngozi Imoukhuede spoke on identity and its role in conflict, warning that careless reporting around ethnicity, religion or community affiliation often escalates tensions. She urged journalists to be mindful of language, framing, and narratives that may deepen divides, noting that identity is both a source of pride and a potential flashpoint for conflict.
On his part, conflict analyst Mr Peter Ogege stressed the importance of understanding local histories, grievances and power dynamics before reporting. He argued that shallow or sensational reporting can worsen hostilities, while well-researched and balanced coverage can foster dialogue and reconciliation.
Mr Chidiebere Ndukwe, who handled sessions on digital peacebuilding, highlighted the opportunities and challenges that come with technology. He noted that social media, while often a tool for misinformation and hate speech, can also serve as a powerful instrument for spreading peace messages, countering extremist narratives, and mobilising communities for dialogue.
“Journalists must embrace new technologies and develop strategies to use digital platforms responsibly for peacebuilding in this digital era,” he said.
The training was highly interactive, involving practical exercises, group work, and role-play scenarios where participants practised analysing real-life conflict situations.
Journalists were tasked with developing conflict-sensitive storylines, identifying potential risks in their reporting, and proposing peace-oriented narratives that could help de-escalate violence in conflict-prone areas.
At the end of the workshop, participants resolved to apply conflict-sensitive approaches in their professional practice and pledged to promote peace and inclusivity in their reportage of Niger Delta issues.
