Osaigbovo Iguobaro
Women have not always been a focal point in conflict management and post-conflict reconstruction. Do they hold the key to a peaceful society? With technology such as Artificial Intelligence, AI in resolving complex issues, is tight race against time ― between the past, present and the future.
AI’s strategic milestone has transversed the media landscape, amid policy implementation pushback ― driven by fear of disruption, lack of communication, or perceived unfairness.
The logic behind arguments of digital responsibility and accountability are essentially undeniable facts ― put forward in dismantling the insidious structures that represent the downside of journalism practice. But there are laws predating AI, social media, fashion and life itself woven into the tapestry of existence.
Yet, issues of trust mistrust, lack of integrity, lack of interest in investigative journalism and compromise are key elements ― eroding audience trust, especially in handling difficult editorial decisions shaping the way stories, headlines are framed particularly as it concerns violence and abuse against women during conflicts, and to bring women’s voices into peace talks.
These concerns highlights the growing trends that sometimes portray individuals in bad light especially during conflicts. Besides, the nuance of fake news, misinformation, malinformation and other negative discussions creeping into the sewage of social media currently on the ascendancy.
But, the West Africa Network for Peace-building, WANEP Facilitators, addressed these concerns during a 2-Day training workshop on Peace and Security (YPS) framework and conflict-sensitive reporting in Edo State.
These perspectives, reflect the broader reality as it concerns Women Peace and Conflict and Youth peace and conflict reporting principles that amplify underreported issues, promoting accountability, and encouraging positive change within society.
Nkifan Owor-Agbor, the Programme officer, WANEP-Nigeria who laid the groundwork at the training, and walked participants down memory lane on its objectives during the intensive training.
She admitted that WANEP is meeting its target, however but there were challenges though not insurmountable.
She noted that WANEP has six thematic areas, including the Women Peace and Security Agenda, and the Early warning signs and early Responses.
Owor-Agbor, said, “Everyday, we learn new things, and get feedback from the field. We will expand by making sure that we meet our target”.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Eugenia Abdallah, whose goodwill message was delivered by the Director of Media in the Ministry, Daisy Osunde, cautioned media practitioners against inflammatory comments and misinformation while charging them to be objective in their reportage at all times.
On her part, the Coordinator, office of the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, represented by an official in the office, Ajayi Amen, pledged her commitment in promoting community peace to protect and amplify voices women, youths and vulnerable people across the State.
In her presentations, Adesuwa Osa-Uwagie, project Facilitator, urged participants to shun ‘entitlement mentality’ by focusing on solution-driven journalism, tailored towards WPS and YPS reporting principles in consonance with acceptable etiquette.
She emphasized that there is no rationale for bad behaviour, insisting that any attempt by any media practitioner to manipulate public perception for personal gains has got its consequences, especially as it concerns safety online and issues of human rights abuse/violation.
The project Facilitator also led participants through reflections on politics, conversations in handling Community frontline response and other related issues of public concerns during the interactive session.
Osa-Uwagie lamented that women are using their talents in breaking barriers in various disciplines, including leadership, media, business, entertainment, politics and advancing knowledge as well as creating opportunities, but such breakthroughs are rarely acknowledged.
In her thought-provoking remarks, Bridget Osakwe, appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to domesticate the United Nations Security Council’s resolution on national action Plan 1325, that guarantees Women participation in Peace process, which Nigeria is a signatory to.
She called on journalists and media practitioners to brace up to emerging challenges and adopt problems solving approaches in navigating complexities around conflict sensitive reporting ― aimed at increasing media visibility for women.
TheNewspad reports that the workshop helped to promote reflective dialogue, action-oriented note, and knowledge-sharing sessions, with a mandate to foster greater awareness and resilience among other media practitioners’.
The conversions revolved around operationalising feedback systems and strengthening accountability structures that reinforce the importance of collaboration.
Highpoint was the induction of Media into a new Media Fellowship on Women, Peace and Security selected for their understanding of the WPS and YPS Agenda in conflict-sensitive reporting principles that inspire useful insights.
The Fellows are expected to facilitate the signing of Edo State’s Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2026–2030) in line with the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda by amplifying women’s and youth voices in promoting peace, and telling stories that build, not break, Communities.
This initiative essentially to promote peace and responsible journalism, marks a new beginn
ing that will collectively get better in future.
