Journalists have been told to guard against sensationalization of news towards achieving the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals 16.
Murtala Abubakar Mohammed, Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals/Focal Person SDG Nasarawa State Government and SDG office respectively made the disclosure at a 2- Day Media Master Class on Preventing Violent Extremism In Kogi and Nasarawa States, with the theme: Passing The Baton; Co-Creating Sustainable Peace through Journalism.
The Training is funded by Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) and facilitated by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with her state-based partners; Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), Global Peace Development (GPD) and Beacon Youth Initiative (BYI), Kogi and Nasarawa States respectively.
The 2- Day training is in pursuance of the System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism (SARVE II) project currently being implemented in the two states.
According to Mr. Murtala, the SDG Goal 16 seeks to promote peaceful and Inclusive Societies, with Journalists having the duty to guard against sensationalization of news for a peaceful Society to thrive.
While noting that the key to achieving the 2030 transformative agenda in the country, Mr. Murtala insisted is a role that rest largely with Journalists in promoting peace using their platforms in achieving peace and promoting peaceful, Inclusive society.
Mr. Murtala Abubakar Mohammed added that for the Sustainable Development Goal 16 to make the impact, called on Journalists to be equitable, just, fair in their reportage by bringing to the fore the need for peace, justice and having strong Institutions.
While pointing out that until SDG Goal 16 is achieved, achieving a better Nation would be difficult, Mr. Murtala described the SDG Goal as the embodiment of the entire SDG goals which if propagated by the media would build a better nation.
He urged Journalists to be more concerned about issues of development using the truth, described the media as crucial ingredient in seeking for a peaceful Society.