By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri-
In a bid to promote peace building and community engagement in Borno State, the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development has organized a one-day training workshop for local journalists.
The workshop, held on Tuesday at the Hajja Mangal Memorial Banquet Hall in Maiduguri, aimed to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage with communities and promote peace building initiatives.
The Executive Director of the Allamin Foundation, Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, emphasized the critical role journalists play in shaping public opinion and influencing community development.
Hajiya Allamin noted that the foundation’s decision to train journalists was informed by the need for effective community engagement and peace building in the post-insurgency era.
Renowned Professor of Mass Communication, Nuhu Gapsiso, facilitated the workshop, providing valuable insights and expertise on community engagement and peace building. The training covered essential topics such as understanding community needs, promoting peace building initiatives, and holding government accountable to the people.
Professor Gapsiso, a renowned Mass Communication expert from the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) presented a series of papers on community engagement reporting. He shared valuable insights with journalists on best practices for covering community engagement, the role of the media, and the importance of quality reporting.
Professor Gapsiso emphasized the need for journalists to give voice to victims, build trust, and establish digital networks with the public. He highlighted the crucial role of the media in amplifying victims’ voices in transitional justice processes.
The expert also discussed the impact of creating awareness, credibility, and trust in promoting human rights, women’s and girls’ rights, and community engagement. He stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the media and the public, uncovering stories, and addressing issues to attract benefits and development.
Professor Gapsiso acknowledged the challenges in evaluating and interpreting attitudes towards community development, including transportation, resources, time frames, government policies, and community support. He emphasized the need for journalists to be transparent, objective, and professional, upholding democratic values by giving people a voice.
The facilitator urged journalists to revisit events through follow-up reports, contributing to community engagement and building trust and confidence. He recommended that organizers continue to train journalists and plan for community engagement to enhance credible and quality reporting.
By empowering journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Allamin Foundation aims to promote sustainable development, peace building, and community engagement in Borno State.
