FBI Trains Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting to Promote Peace in Osun communities

As part of efforts to foster peace and reconciliation in communities affected by communal crises, Media professionals in Osun State have been urged to embrace conflict-sensitive and solution-driven journalism.

This charge was made during a media and peacebuilding workshop themed, “Equipping Media Professionals with Skills for Responsible Reporting During Communal Crises,” organised under the #PreachforPeace project in Osun State.

The workshop which focused on the recurring communal conflicts in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun, was organised by Future Builders Initiative (FBI) and Peace Education Advocacy and Climate Action for Development (PEACAD).

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of PEACAD, Akinremi Olawale, said the initiative was designed to help media practitioners shape narratives that promote peace in conflict environment.

He explained that the #PreachforPeace project was introduced in response to the prolonged communal clashes among Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun which have persisted for years and intensified in the last two to three years.

Olawale noted that the project had already trained youths from the three communities, with 10 participants selected from each area, while also engaging traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, and youth organisations.

According to him, journalists play a major role in influencing public perspectives, making it necessary for them to report in ways that strengthen harmony within affected communities.

“In the coming days, we will hold separate town hall meetings in each community before bringing them together to strengthen dialogue and mutual understanding,” he said.

Also speaking, one of the facilitator, Dr. Rasheed Adebiyi said there is need for journalists to be more sensitive in their reporting of communal conflicts particularly the Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun crisis.

He urged reporters to adopt solution journalism approaches that go beyond merely highlighting violence and clashes.

“Research has shown that coverage of conflicts in Nigeria is often problem-driven, focusing mostly on violence. As journalists, we must begin to spotlight efforts aimed at resolving these disputes and promoting peace,” he said.

In his presentation, Dr. Ridwan Kolawole of the Department of Language and Communication, University of Ibadan, described the media as a vital partner in peace promotion and conflict de-escalation.

He cautioned journalists against sensationalism, partisanship, ethnic profiling, and inflammatory language when reporting conflicts.

Kolawole added that while Osun remains largely peaceful, respect for individual rights and peaceful coexistence among neighbours remain essential for sustaining harmony across the state.

“The media shape public opinion and can either escalate or de-escalate crises. What we report has serious consequences, as history has shown in countries like Rwanda and Somalia,” he said.