Franco-British International University Kaduna (FBIU) and the African Institute for Solutions and Development (AISD), in partnership with Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation (AAG Foundation), has organised a one-day capacity-building workshop for media practitioners in Kaduna State.

Themed “Conflict-Sensitive Media Reporting,” the training was held on Thursday at the Ali Dauda Lecture Hall of Franco-British International University, Kaduna.

The workshop attracted a diverse audience of journalists, broadcasters, editors and digital media practitioners from across Northern Nigeria, including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Kaduna; Radio Nigeria, Kaduna; Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC); DITV/Alheri Radio; ADC Social Media Forum; Uba Sani Media Forum; Sahelian Times; and Alfijir Radio, Katsina, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, the FBIU President, Prof. Abdullahi Sabo Muhammad, lauded the Founder of the University, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, for providing the enabling environment for academic and professional development.

He also appreciated the management of AISD and the AAG Foundation for initiating the training programme aimed at strengthening responsible journalism.

He charged the participants to make good use of the opportunity by applying the knowledge and skills acquired to promote ethical, balanced and conflict-sensitive reporting in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

 In his presentation, Malam Mukhtari Shitu, Senior Associate, MAAUN-AISD, on Peacebuilding, Peace and Security, delivered a paper titled “Understanding Conflict and the Role of the Media.”

He described the media as a critical stakeholder in conflict situations, noting that journalists have a responsibility to promote peace by ensuring accuracy, fairness and professionalism in their reportage.

Also presenting, Malam Ahmad Muhammad, MAAUN-AISD Team Lead, Kaduna, spoke on the Principles of Conflict-Sensitive Reporting.

He emphasised that conflict-sensitive reporting requires journalists to be deliberate, responsible and people centred in their approach to reporting, while avoiding language and narratives capable of escalating tensions.

Other presentations focused on Ethical Reporting During Violent Conflict, Practical Tools for Conflict Reporting, Practical Tips for Media Practitioners, Understanding GEDSI in Media Practice, as well as Key Takeaways, Action Planning and Evaluation.

In his goodwill message, the Vice President Administration, Mr. Agwaza Bemdoo, described the workshop as timely, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. 

The workshop ended with practical exercises and group presentations by participants, followed by the presentation of certificates to participants.

In his closing remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of AISD Dr. Audu Liman, who was represented by the Executive Director of MAAUN-AISD, Dr. Salisu Muhammad, commended the resource persons for their insightful presentations and extensive exploration of the various topics discussed during the workshop.

Dr. Salisu urged the beneficiaries to step down the knowledge gained by training other media practitioners who were unable to participate in the workshop, in order to broaden the impact of the initiative.

Dignitaries in attendance included Prof. Abdu Bichi, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, MAAUN-AISD; Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, Executive Director of the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation; and Hajiya Nafisat Ado, Head of Education, Gender and Social Inclusion, MAAUN-AISD.

Others included the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Dr. Auwalu Lawan Danbuzu; the Vice President, Campus Life, Malam Abdullahi Ibrahim Mirnga; the Acting Dean, School of Social and Management Sciences, Malama Rahama Umar Muhammad; the Dean, School of Nursing Sciences, Hajiya Karimatu Muhammad; as well as other members of staff of the University.