Osun 2018: Journalists Urged To Promote Peaceful Conduct

Journalists in Osun state have been urged to contribute to the peaceful conduct of September 22 governorship election by ensuring balance report to avoid violence in the coming election.

Stakeholders who spoke at the 3-day capacity building workshop for Journalists and Media groups on Conflict Sensitive Reportage Ahead of Gubernatorial Election in Osun State, at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop on Monday, the country Director of United Nation Development Programme, UNDP, Mr. Samuel Bwalya, described Journalists as major stakeholders in the success of election.

He said UNDP was concerned with how to develop a common understanding of the impact of violent conflict on the society, and promote a conflict-sensitive reporting culture among media practitioner.

Bwalya who was represented by Mr. Matthew Alao, called on the media to partner with UNDP in its effort to achieve sustainable development through credible, free and fair elections, devoid of violence and rancour.

“Media play critical role in the national development of any countries irrespective of the forms of governance they practice.

“The people has trusted the medium to the extent that whatever news that is shun out is taken as the gospel truth. It thus become imperious to build the capacity of media to be conscious of the fact that their reportage may make or mar the country having serious unintended consequences on the citizens.

In his remarks, the Chairman of NUJ, Osun State chapter, Mr. Abiodun Olalere, assured that Journalists in Osun State would ensure balance reportage for the governorship election to be violence free.

He noted that media have contributed in no small way, to the peace and quietness being enjoyed in Osun state, promising that they will not relent in their efforts at ensuring peaceful atmosphere in the state.

While declaring the workshop open, the representative of the government of Osun state, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Yinusa Olalekan, commended the media for sustaining peace through their reports in the state.

He assured that the government will continue to provide enabling environment for Journalists in Osun state to practice.