The media have been charged to use their role to bridge the gap between the government and the people towards fostering peace and and national development.
Prof. Nicholas Iwokwagh, Dean, School of Information and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, made the disclosure while making a presentation: The connection between governance, budget and violent extremism, bridging the gap; the government, the people and the media.
The University Don made the appeal 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.
The Masterclass is organized by ActionAid with funding by Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), holden at Goshen Hotel Keffi, Nasarawa State media practitioners,
Prof. Nicholas disclosed that unemployment, perception of injustice and marginalization are some of the major drivers of violent extremism in the country.
Prof. Nicholas urged the media covering development, conflict and humanitarian beats to understand the concept of power, pointing out that violent extremism is driven by misgovernance and weak institutions of governance.
Prof. Nicholas linked poverty, unemployment, poverty and poor upbringing of children as other reasons for violent extremism, said good governance, remains the panacea that would lead to equitable and fair allocation of resources using the National budget.
Prof. Nicholas urged the media to promote inclusiveness, sense of belonging, foster peace and national development towards helping to reduce frustration and marginalization that causes agitation, conflict and violence.
As a way to bridge the gap between the government and the people, Prof. Nicholas charged Journalists to create platforms for communication, to share parties difficulties, reduce suspicion amongst parties, reveal the truth, expose secrets as well as correct misconceptions.
The Don urged the media to understand the other sides of the grievances, identify underlying interest, create platforms that will allow parties to express governance, and promote platforms that would provide solutions of parties and negotiations.