By Joseph Edegbo –
Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan has enjoined the media to unite the people with a shared hope and vision through their reportage at this critical stage of national development.
By so doing, he said, Nigeria could become a thriving nation that celebrates her diversity.
Mr.Aruwan was speaking on Tuesday in Kaduna at a Seminar and Award ceremony with a theme” Tackling Security Challenges: The Role Of Media,” organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kaduna State Council.
Journalists, he said, must exhibit sincerity, honesty and adhering to facts, devoid of pursuing divisive agendas which are threats to common good.
“As members of this elite group, the media, we must ditch the divisive narratives sold for decades by desperate power mongers. We can no longer buy into denigration and dehumanization. We must not buy into ethno-centric politics and narrow sentiments.
The Commissioner further stressed the need for the practitioners to engage in responsible journalism that is truly concerned with a balanced and truthful account of events.
He also wants Journalists to eschew judgmental representations and describe reality without exaggeration and sensationalism.
In this era, he emphasized, the media can play a crucial role in building peace, through effective peace journalism. “Peace journalists can investigate the causes behind a conflict and the true motives of the participants, while making sure to humanize all victims of the conflict. “Journalists should not exploit loss and suffering through selective condemnations, but make sure that the reporting is balanced. “Peace journalism should be focused on preventing further escalation of conflict”
The Commissioner assured that Government on its part, will continue to collaborate with security agencies, and engage productively with citizens to address security challenges across the state.
Mr Aruwan who commended the conveners for acknowledging his outstanding performance in the management of insecurity and insurgency in the State, with a Meritorious Award, re-echoed the need for journalists to be alive to their responsibility towards peace and security.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Acting Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Moses Kolo had urged his colleagues to as much as possible, de-escalate unconfirmed reports especially on attacks and other forms of insurgency.
This, he said, was necessary as such reports would give the perpetrators of the dastardly acts undue prominence and a sense of superiority when they are always or on daily basis, making the headlines.
Mr Kolo noted that the State and indeed Nation, is going through its most difficult phase, but together, “we can win this war. As Journalists and watch dogs of the society, let us cooperate with security agencies to douse the fears of the masses and build confidence in the people” .
On the Awards, Mr. Kolo said the event was to recognize individuals who have made immense contribution to the society.
” These brilliant individuals exhibit such qualities that have not only helped them in achieving their goals, but also bring glory and success to spheres of influence.
“Today, we have gathered here not just to celebrate the achievements of the Awardees, but also to give due regard to our values and morals which the awardees exemplify, like discipline, compassion and zeal for the upliftment of humanity.
Describing the gesture as a way to commend, encourage and also challenge individuals to do more, Mr. Kolo advised the reciepents to see the honors accorded them as a not just a tap on the back to say weldone, but also as a fuel to propel them do more .
Among the Meritorious Awardees were Former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi for Peace Building and Chief Anthony Hassan for Outstanding Performance in Human Capacity Development particularly in Education and Mr Jackson Ukuevo, Managing Director of Ronchess.