Taraba Bureau Urges Responsible Journalism at Media for Peace Training in Jalingo.
By Christiana Babayo
The Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management (TSBPCM), Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon, has called on journalists and media practitioners to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting in order to strengthen peacebuilding efforts across the state.
You May Also Like
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Media for Peace Training held Monday in Jalingo, the chairman emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and either escalating or diffusing tensions in a diverse society like Taraba.
The speech, delivered on his behalf by the Bureau’s Secretary, Alexander Njiddah, highlighted the progress made under the administration of Dr Agbu Kefas in positioning the state as a leader in proactive peacebuilding and conflict management in Nigeria.
Addressing journalists, editors, media executives, and digital content creators, Solomon noted that in a state with over 80 ethnic groups, the media remains a central force in either fostering unity or deepening divisions.
He stressed that “peace is cheaper than conflict,” warning that the cost of violence far outweighs investments in prevention and development.
He urged practitioners to transition from routine conflict reporting to conflict-sensitive journalism, where accuracy is prioritized over speed. “Speed without accuracy is sabotage,” he said, underscoring the need for verification from credible sources before publication.
The chairman introduced what he termed the “Taraba Standard” — a four-point framework for peace journalism. The pillars include verification of facts, use of de-escalatory language, balanced reporting that highlights peace efforts, and a commitment to “do no harm” in storytelling.
He also announced a series of institutional support measures by the Bureau, including the establishment of a 24/7 media liaison desk for fact-checking, quarterly peace and security briefings, partnerships with security agencies to ensure journalist safety, and an annual Media for Peace Awards to recognize impactful reporting.
Solomon called on traditional rulers and security agencies to strengthen collaboration with the media through timely information sharing to curb misinformation and rumors that could trigger unrest.
He commended development partners, particularly GIZ Peace Core, for supporting the initiative, noting that their investment in capacity building is vital to sustaining peace in the state.
Reiterating the power of the media, the chairman urged practitioners to use their platforms responsibly. “The pen is still mightier than the sword, but with that power comes the obligation to build, not to break,” he said.
The Media for Peace Training brought together stakeholders across the media, civil society, and government sectors as part of ongoing efforts to deepen peacebuilding and conflict prevention strategies in Taraba State.
