NEDC seeks support to address insecurity in North-East

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has commenced a three-day workshop to equip journalists, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and its staff with the skills to employ non-kinetic methods in combating insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East region.

Organised by NEDC in collaboration with Ranlal Global Services Nigeria Ltd, the ongoing workshop which is taking place in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, according to the NEDC, is aimed at addressing the complex challenges of working in the insurgency-affected region and focuses on non-destructive approaches such as dialogue and strategic communication

Speaking at the event, NEDC’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Abba Musa, represented by Naomi Abwaku, emphasised the significance of non-kinetic strategies.

“Kinetic measures have not yielded the desired results. This training underscores the importance of peacebuilding and partnerships in addressing insurgency,” Musa stated.

Declaring the workshop open, NEDC Managing Director Goni Alkali, represented by Sani Umar, the Director of Rehabilitation and Early Recovery, highlighted the essential role of journalists in fostering an informed society.

“This workshop reflects a shared commitment between stakeholders and the media. Your role is indispensable,” Umar said.

The workshop’s organiser, Abubakar Kudu, applauded the NEDC for its support, stating, “This initiative is designed to empower CSOs and journalists to champion non-kinetic approaches to insurgency and promote peacebuilding.”

Also present was the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, represented by Abdulkareem Haruna, who commended the training program. “Equipping journalists with the right skills and knowledge is critical for addressing modern challenges. Dialogue and strategic communication are vital tools in the fight against insurgency,” Yahya noted.

Delivering a presentation on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting: Principles and Best Practices, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Professor Umar Pate, urged journalists to avoid biases in their reporting.

“Communication has become regionalized with sentiments and stereotypes fueled by wrong sources. As journalists, you must rise above such biases,” Pate advised.

The workshop, according to the leadership of the commission, underscores the NEDC’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in the North-East through innovative and collaborative efforts.