North West crisis solution takes on a new approach
By Prosper Okoye
The crisis situation in the North Western states of Nigeria will be addressed using a positive narrative approach,” the Country Director of International Alert Nigeria said.
Over the past decade, North West Nigeria has grappled with ongoing conflict and instability, primarily stemming from the activities of non-state armed groups, more recently referred to as “bandits.”
Mr. Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima told the Daily Times that he was hopeful that the knowledge acquired by the participants in the North-West Media and Strategic Communications Workshop would be implemented to change the fortunes of the region.
“If we want to change behavior from violent to peaceful, then we need to first address the person’s mindset. We need to provide alternatives to the kind of information that a person possesses, which makes them violent, in order to promote peace,” he explained.
In collaboration with the Sokoto State Government, and support from the United Kingdom (UK) Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF) the workshop titled: “Shared Vision to Shared Action” was organized.
Mr. Nyulaku-Bemshima added, “There is a substantial need to promote behavioral change communication, and the medium for that is the media. With the spectrum of media practitioners we have gathered, we expect that when they leave this place, there will be a significant shift in the narrative—from negative messaging to positive narratives that promote peace, justice, reduce sexual violence, and encourage inclusion. This is the essence of this event, aligning with the motto of International Alert Nigeria. We believe that peace is within our power, and this implies that peace can be achieved in every conflict situation once people can find common ground.”
In remarks made at the workshop, the Senior Special Adviser to President Tinubu challenged media practitioners to embrace solution journalism rather than sticking to the old form of lamentation. He further assured of President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the proposed solutions.
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Speaking, the Secretary to the Government of Sokoto State, Alhaji Muhammed Sifawa, decried the crisis situation that has led to the loss of livelihood in affected communities in the state; however, he added, “the state government is making efforts to address the challenges.”
Meanwhile, Sarkin Yakin Gagi, Alhaji Sani Jabbi, stated that the crisis has been compounded as a result of climate change.
