Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT), in partnership with LIDA Network, has trained journalists and youth communicators on ethical storytelling, fact-checking, information disorder, and digital media for peacebuilding.

The training was conducted under the Media for Peace (PeaceCore) Project, reaching 180 journalists and youth communicators across Kaduna, Plateau, and Taraba States.

Speaking after the training in an interview, Founder of LIDA Network, Lady Irene David Arinze, emphasised the need for journalists to ethically adapt to emerging technologies in news production.

The three-week intervention forms part of the PeaceCore II Programme, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The initiative is designed to address the growing challenges of misinformation, hate speech, and conflict-insensitive reporting, particularly in Nigeria’s conflict-prone areas.

Arinze said, “Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to spread misinformation. Journalists must understand these tools and apply them responsibly to verify information, counter false narratives and report conflicts with sensitivity.”

Participants noted that the programme enhanced their understanding of how unchecked narratives, harmful language, and false information can fuel tensions within communities.

According to Arinze, the workshops focused on conflict-sensitive journalism, ethical storytelling, fact-checking, information disorder, and digital media for peacebuilding, while also exposing participants to AI-supported verification tools for responsible reporting.

She added that by the end of the programme, more than 85 per cent of participants reported improved capacity in conflict-sensitive communication, with several media organisations committing to strengthening their internal fact-checking mechanisms.

The project also facilitated the formation of journalist networks to encourage continued collaboration, peer support, and story verification.

Through the PeaceCore Project, LIDA Network reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the media’s role as credible actors for peace, accountability, and social cohesion across Nigeria.

Each state hosted a five-day intensive capacity-building workshop for journalists working across print, broadcast, and digital media platforms.