By Hafsat mohammed kano
Kaduna’s Journalistic Crusaders: Bridging Divides, Quashing Fake News, and Paving the Way for Lasting Peace
A dedicated group of 50 journalists in Kaduna State, Nigeria, has been tirelessly crafting a series of news articles exclusively focused on peace-building journalism for numerous years. Their collective efforts have played a crucial role in de-escalating conflicts and mitigating crises in the northwestern region of the country.
Known as the “Network of Peace Journalists,” this group actively combats fake news while championing stories centered around peace and development in the state. Their commitment to solution journalism enables them to address conflicts through early warning systems and reporting mechanisms, ensuring timely interventions to prevent various forms of discord.
These journalists have undergone training in mediation and reporting based on the principles of the “Do-No-Harm” ethic. Leading the charge is Ibrahim Yakubu, a multilingual journalist affiliated with the German International Radio Station, reporting from Northern Nigeria.
According to Yakubu, the impact of their news coverage, spanning print, electronic, and online platforms, has significantly diminished the prevalence of fake news, contributing to the restoration of peace and unity in the region. Their reportage goes beyond the surface, addressing ethno-religious, political, and regional challenges that jeopardize the peace and unity of diverse tribes, mitigating cultural clashes.
One of the notable achievements of their reporting has been the enlightenment of farmers and herders on the importance of peace and unity. This has resulted in a reduction of annual battles and conflicts during the harvest season, highlighting the tangible positive outcomes of their peace-building journalism efforts.
