International Alert, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), has officially convened a two-day Conflict Sensitivity Training for journalists and media practitioners operating across Sokoto State.
The capacity-building workshop aims to equip local reporters with the requisite tools for ethical, conflict-sensitive reporting to promote peacebuilding and mitigate tensions throughout the region.
​The intensive two-day training, held from August 24 to August 25, 2026, gathered media professionals at the Grand Ibro Hotel in Sokoto. Running daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the sessions provided interactive modules on peace journalism, ethical reporting in high-tension zones, safety protocols for field reporters, and strategies to prevent hate speech and sensationalism.
​Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Paul Nyulaku, emphasized the critical role of the press in stabilizing fragile environments.
​”The media holds immense power to shape narratives. In complex security landscapes like Sokoto and the broader Northwest region, a single misinformed report can spark violence, while a well-researched, conflict-sensitive story can de-escalate crisis and foster dialogue,” Dr. Nyulaku stated. “Our partnership with CJID reflects a commitment to empowering journalists to become active agents of peace rather than unintended catalysts of conflict.”
​Echoing these sentiments, the Executive Director of CJID, Dapo Olorunyomi, represented by Senior Programme Director Tobi Oluwatola, underscored the necessity of continuous professional development for journalists working in vulnerable communities.
​”Conflict-sensitive journalism is not about taking sides; it is about factual accuracy, context, and understanding the real-world impact of media narratives,” Oluwatola remarked. “By strengthening the capacity of journalists in Sokoto, we are ensuring that reporting remains fair, inclusive, and focused on peacebuilding.”
​Participants engaged in practical case studies, group exercises, and panel discussions examining the root causes of regional security challenges and effective ways to report on vulnerable populations safely and ethically.
​The initiative forms part of International Alert and CJID’s broader efforts to support sustainable peace, good governance, and responsible journalism across Nigeria’s Northwest region.
