CDD Equips Journalists with Peacebuilding and Conflict Reporting Skills

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) conducted a training session for journalists in Katsina State, focusing on peacebuilding, ethical reporting, and conflict analysis. The initiative aims to promote social cohesion and strengthen community resilience throughout Nigeria’s North‑west region.

The two‑day capacity‑building workshop, organized by CDD in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Mercy Corps, received financial support from the European Union (EU). It equipped media practitioners with the skills required to report conflicts responsibly and to contribute to sustainable peace.

Named “From Conflict to Cohesion: The Journalists’ Role in Building Peace in Communities,” the training was part of the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience Project being implemented by CDD, IOM and Mercy Corps.

During a session on conflict analysis, CDD’s Regional Programme Manager, John Dash Lazing, emphasized that responsible journalism and accurate information dissemination are essential for maintaining peace and stability.

He urged journalists to adopt ethical and peace‑oriented reporting practices to strengthen social cohesion and help prevent violent conflicts, especially in fragile communities across Katsina and other states in the region.

Describing the media as a “double‑edged sword,” Lazing noted that journalists have the power to either promote peace or aggravate tensions, depending on how they present information.

According to him, a limited understanding of conflict roots often leads to misinformation, which can deepen divisions and heighten insecurity.

He challenged media practitioners to critically examine conflicts, grasp their underlying causes, and present information in ways that avoid inflaming emotions or escalating violence.

Lazing said: “Journalists are very key and strategic actors in every fragile environment. They have the power to make peace and build peace, but they also possess the capacity to create conflict. That is why we considered it important to engage them as critical stakeholders in promoting social cohesion.”

“I call on you to critically analyse conflicts, understand the underlying factors, and present information in a manner that promotes understanding rather than division.”

He also encouraged stronger communication and collaboration within the media industry to ensure that news and information disseminated to the public support ongoing peace‑building efforts.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of the IOM Sub‑Office, Jean Nahesi Kutumbakana, emphasized that credible information remains a cornerstone of conflict prevention and peaceful coexistence.

He advocated stronger institutional collaboration among journalists and urged media organisations to work more closely with the Katsina State Ministry of Information and Culture to enhance the credibility and reach of peace messaging.

According to him, such partnerships would help coordinate media programming more effectively and ensure that peace‑building narratives receive adequate attention across different platforms.