150 Sokoto Journalists Receive Training on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting

No fewer than 150 journalists and media practitioners in Sokoto State have received specialised training on conflict-sensitive reporting through a programme organised by International Alert in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

The two-day workshop, supported by the European Union under the Resilience, Engagement and Conflict-Prevention for At-Risk Populations Protection in Sokoto State Project, focused on strengthening responsible journalism and promoting peace-oriented reporting.

Participants were drawn from radio, print, online and digital media organisations across the state. The training also included editors, broadcasters, social media content creators, community media practitioners and citizen journalists.

According to the organisers, the initiative was designed to equip media professionals with the skills needed to report conflict-related issues accurately while avoiding narratives that could heighten tensions.

They noted that the growing spread of misinformation, rumours and inflammatory content, especially during periods of crisis, makes conflict-sensitive journalism more important than ever.

The programme covered topics such as conflict reporting, narrative framing, digital verification, open-source intelligence, disinformation management and the impact of AI-generated false information. Participants also received training on gender-sensitive reporting, social inclusion, peace journalism and journalist safety.

Experts at the workshop stressed the importance of understanding the causes and dynamics of conflicts before reporting on them. They encouraged journalists to provide balanced coverage, amplify diverse voices and avoid language that could deepen divisions within communities.

The training featured practical sessions, including verification exercises, case-study reviews and group discussions based on real-life scenarios in Sokoto State. Participants also developed editorial action plans aimed at improving conflict reporting in their respective media organisations.

Organisers said the programme would lead to the creation of a Community of Practice to encourage continued collaboration among participants. Plans are also underway to produce a conflict-sensitive reporting handbook in English and Hausa, alongside a verification guide for journalists covering security and other sensitive issues.