Kaduna Peace Commission Commends NPJ for Unwavering Commitment towards Ensuring Peace
From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In a landmark gesture, the Kaduna Peace Commission has expressed its profound appreciation to the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ) for their unwavering commitment to promoting peace and unity within Kaduna State and the country at large.
During a recent interactive session in Kaduna, the Commission’s Chairman, Bishop Idowu Fearon, commended the NPJ’s tireless efforts in uncovering and exposing misinformation propagated by fake and politically-driven religious leaders.
Bishop Fearon emphasized the crucial role of journalists in fostering peace and unity by highlighting instances where religious sentiments are exploited for personal gain and disseminating information that sows division and incites crises.
Recognizing the complexities and challenges faced by the state, the Chairman underscored the importance of collaboration between the NPJ and the Kaduna Peace Commission to address issues such as banditry, kidnapping, ethnic and religious conflicts, and the proliferation of fake news.
He urged journalists to engage in fact-finding and investigative journalism to counter the spread of misinformation, particularly in a climate where fake news can exacerbate tensions.
The Kaduna Peace Commission reassured the NPJ of its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its mandate of preventing tension, promoting understanding, and facilitating peaceful coexistence despite differences.
In response, the team leader of the Network of Peace Journalists Kaduna (NPJK), Mallam Ibrahima Yakubu, highlighted the team’s initiatives, including an early warning system for reporting and adherence to the “DO NOT HAM” principle, which emphasizes the importance of responsible journalism and cautions against reporting unverified information that could potentially lead to crises.
Furthermore, Yakubu praised the professionalism and excellence of Kaduna State journalists in investigative journalism, asserting that other states are now learning from their exemplary practices.
In closing, Yakubu called on the Kaduna State Peace Commission to establish initiatives to honor peace ambassadors within the state, arguing that recognizing and honoring these individuals would inspire greater commitment to promoting peace and unity, not only within the state but throughout the nation.
