Terrorism: NPC Equips Southwest Journalists with Contemporary Crime Report Methodologies

 

By Joseph Treasure

About fifty journalists drawn from across the southwest states have been trained by the Nigeria Press Council, NPC on the contemporary methodologies of reporting issues relating to terrorism.

The workshop with the theme ” The Role of Media in Combating Violent Extremism and Terrorism in Nigeria”
took place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the programme, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Mr. Francis Nwosu said journalists should be socially responsible by playing a vital role in nation building.

He urged journalists to shun sensationalism, armchair journalism and other unethical practices that could promote violence or fear in the society.

According to him, the workshop is to sensitize and remind professionals on the best approach and ways of covering and reporting terrorism and activities of extremists.

In a paper presentation, a former Executive Secretary of NPC, Mr. Bayo Atoyebi urged journalists to act with the aim of benefitting and not harming the society.

He urged the media to set a high standard and desist from promoting offensive contents that could trigger crime, violence or civic disorder.

Earlier, the Chairman, Oyo State Council of NUJ, Mr Ademola Babalola welcomed journalists and urged them to make good use of the knowledge gained.

Participants at the workshop hailed NPC for the initiative which they claimed had equipped them with the contemporary methodologies on how best to cover and report stories relating to terrorism and extremists.