By Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna
Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF), has congratulated the Nigerian Media as it celebrates it’s maiden “Peace Day”.
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), President, Mr Christopher Isiguzo, had on Saturday 9th February, declared 14th February as “Nigeria Media Peace Day”, after a two-day meeting of media practitioners in Abuja.
AMDF, in a statement signed by the Coordinator, Sekyen Dadik, said, “we strongly believe that the media as the watch dog of the society is still the portend tool for shaping mindsets, changing public perception and opinion and our influence spans far over that of any politician whose intention is to disrupt the peace of the nation.”
According to the statement, “coming at the heels of the 2019 general election, the theme of the event: “Nigeria Media Peace Day: Think Election, Think Peace” no doubt reflects the Media’s determination to uphold its responsibility of ensuring peace and stability of the nation.
“As a media development organization that provides support to journalists
and African media, AMDF believes there is no better time for the Nigerian media to declare its stance for peace other than now as we go to the polls and following unguided statements from public officials and politicians; an action which invariably sets the tone for a violent election.”
AMDF called on the Nigerian media to be guarded by its commitment on the Nigeria Media Peace Day to think election and think peace, let this be reflected in the contents to be disseminated in the media throughout the period of election and beyond.
The statement added, “Nigeria has had so many devastating incidences of violence with the media having its share of blame; it is time we redeem our image as society’s gatekeepers by consciously and vigorously contributing to peace building processes, a necessary tool for the development of any nation.
“AMDF also acknowledges the support of Search for Common Ground for
driving the process and providing the platform for such a remarkable
move to ensure the Nigerian Media takes its place in setting the agenda
for peace.
“AMDF undoubtedly remains committed to providing professional support to
Nigerian media towards promoting excellence and freedom of the press.”
According to the statement, “coming at the heels of the 2019 general election, the theme of the event: “Nigeria Media Peace Day: Think Election, Think Peace” no doubt reflects the Media’s determination to uphold its responsibility of ensuring peace and stability of the nation.
“As a media development organization that provides support to journalists
and African media, AMDF believes there is no better time for the Nigerian media to declare its stance for peace other than now as we go to the polls and following unguided statements from public officials and politicians; an action which invariably sets the tone for a violent election.”
AMDF called on the Nigerian media to be guarded by its commitment on the Nigeria Media Peace Day to think election and think peace, let this be reflected in the contents to be disseminated in the media throughout the period of election and beyond.
The statement added, “Nigeria has had so many devastating incidences of violence with the media having its share of blame; it is time we redeem our image as society’s gatekeepers by consciously and vigorously contributing to peace building processes, a necessary tool for the development of any nation.
“AMDF also acknowledges the support of Search for Common Ground for
driving the process and providing the platform for such a remarkable
move to ensure the Nigerian Media takes its place in setting the agenda
for peace.
“AMDF undoubtedly remains committed to providing professional support to
Nigerian media towards promoting excellence and freedom of the press.”
Newsweb Express 