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Journalists have been tasked to write stories from a just power perspectives by deliberately shifting power to the voiceless and the most vulnerable amongst the vulnerable in the society.
Nihinlola Ayande, Communications Co-ordinator, ActionAid Nigeria, made the disclosure while making a presentation: understanding the concept of powering conflict and emergencies at the ongoing two day Media Masterclass on Preventing Violent Extremism in Kano and Kaduna States with the theme: Creating Enabling Environment and Shaping Peace Through Conflict Sensitive Reportage, urged that journalists should ensure that they capture the voices of the vulnerable in their reporting.
Nihinlola tasked journalists working towards the attainment of social justice to endeavour to have an understanding of how power changes hands, shifts explaining that it is built as key to understanding how social and economic changes happens.
She disclosed that power, poverty and conflicts are interconnected, reason why it is important for Journalists to understand power dynamics towards enhancing the quality of their reportage.
Nihinlola advised journalists to strive to make people first before profit in their reporting, said rather than focusing on newsmakers perspectives, urged the media to consider intersectional factors such as gender, disability amongst other issues affecting the vulnerable.
She called on journalists to embark on mapping out the power dynamics and how it is likely to impact stories and news sources.
While pointing out that ActionAid is concerned about power shifting which enables people who are vulnerable to have sense of inclusion and belonging, said it would equally enable them claim their spaces to make decisions and to influence the changes they desire.
The Masterclass is organized by ActionAid with funding by Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), is holden at Goshen Hotel Keffi, Nasarawa State for media practitioners.
ActionAid Nigeria is presently working in 23 states of Nigeria and implementing fifteen different projects, began operation in the country in 1999, is concerned about securing women rights, promoting sustainable agriculture and holding government accountable amongst other areas of focus.
