By Dada Ahmed
ActionAid has urged Nigerian Journalists to guard against sensationalization of news, to ensuring the realisation of the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals 16.
Murtala Abubakar Mohammed, Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals/Focal Person, Nasarawa SDG office, made the disclosure at a 2- Day Media Master Class on Preventing Violent Extremism In Kogi and Nasarawa States, with the theme: “Passing The Baton; Co-Creating Sustainable Peace through Journalism.”
Our Correspondent reports that the Training was funded by Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) and facilitated by ActionAid Nigeria,in collaboration with her state-based partners: Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), Global Peace Development (GPD) and Beacon Youth Initiative (BYI), Kogi and Nasarawa States respectively.
The Reporters further gathered that the 2- Day training is in pursuance of the System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism (SARVE II) project currently being implemented in the two states.
According to Mohammed, the SDG 16 seeks to promote peaceful and Inclusive Societies, with Journalists having the duty to guard against sensationalization of news for a peaceful Society to thrive.
While noting that the key to achieving the 2030 transformative agenda in the country
Mohammed reminded Journalists that they have it a duty to promote peace, using their platforms in achieving peace and promoting peaceful, inclusive society which he said remained crucial toward the realization of SDG 16.
He added that for the Sustainable Development Goal 16 to make the impact,Journalists, through their reportage,must ensure equitable, just, fair, by bringing to the fore the need for peace, justice and having strong Institutions.
While pointing out that until SDG Goal 16 is achieved, achieving a better Nation would be difficult, Mohammed described the SDG Goal 16 as the embodiment of the entire SDG goals which if propagated by the media,would build a better nation, adding that they should be more concerned about issues of development.
In achieving this noble goal,he called on Journalists,to ensure truth,described the media as a crucial ingredient in seeking for a peaceful society.
