By Joseph Edegbo
Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF, plans to train journalists on the reportage on peace building as well as insecurity prevailing in parts of the country.
The Executive Director of the Organization, Iliya Kure disclosed this during an advocacy visit on Thursday to the District Head of Doka in Kaduna Metropolis, North West Nigeria, Alhaji Bala Tijjani.
Iliya said the AMDF was concerned about the insecurity and other challenges posing threat to peace, especially in northern part of the country, which necessitated the need to train journalists on those beats to be sensitive in their reportage.
While reminding the district head of the important role of the media in that regard, Kure who led a team of advocates however said such role would not yield positive results without the involvement of community leaders.
“We can not champion the course for peace alone without community leaders”, he said.
He said the training would ease access to information for journalists from community leaders whenever they are approached.
Iliya Kure intimated the District Head, programmes carried out in Kaduna State, by AMDF especially on Girls Education featuring various activities around Policy Document which ended in May 2020.
The Executive Director informed his host that AMDF would now be holding several meetings visually in view of COVID-19.
Responding, Alhaji Bala expressed appreciation for the visit and that issues of peace and security can not be compromised.
He noted that Kaduna State had been facing challenges of insecurity which call for concern. ” One can not shy away from these challenges. We must face them head- on”, the District Head said.
Alhaji Bala observed that the criminals have adopted various tactics in their nefarious activities which must be countered .
The District Head who acknowledged the role of the media promised to be readily available anytime he is called upon.
He lauded the commitment of the AMDF to the defence of Freedom of the Press as well as the Organization’s foresight.
