Stakeholders in Plateau State have urged media practitioners in the State to promote Interreligious tolerance among citizens through their reportage and programmes.
The stakeholders made the call recently in Jos duringa a One Day workshop on “Galvanizing Media Support for Interreligious Dialogue in Plateau State” organized by Mr. Wika Gofwen, a journalist and a Fellow of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace.
Declaring the workshop open, the Director of Press Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Gyang Bere who is also a journalist, acknowledged that peace is the foundation of development in any society hence, the media community must play the critical role of returning peace to the society.
He noted that as a practicing journalist, he is not unaware of the challenges face by Journalists in terms of reporting conflict in Plateau State. He encouraged the journalists and as well the media community generally not to relent in putting in their best, using the professional code of conduct to report that which will harmonize people within the society.
“Religious harmony is very key, and it is important for journalists to put their heads together to promote it so that it will be accepted in the society.
“The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, one of his cardinal focus is to unite the people of Plateau State, build unity and build a prosperous Plateau” he added.
He appreciated the media for their support to the government and also applauded the organizer, Mr. Wika Gofwen for embarking on such an important initiative and pledged the government support to any programme aimed at promoting peace and harmonious coexistence in the state.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, in Plateau State, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo urged the media to promote Interreligious Council’s activities and also advocated that the Nigeria Union of Journalists should be part of the Council.
He urged religious leaders to marry journalists and the media to enable them pass their messages at ease.
The Emir of Wase and Chairman, Plateau State Chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, (JNI), His Royal Highness Mohammed Sambo Haruna III who was represented by Justice Adamu Kanam, while corroborating the calls by other stakeholders, urged the participants to put to use what they would learn at the workshop.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event includes the General Managers of Plateau Radio and Television Corporation (PRTVC), Plateau State Community and Social Development Agency and the Director General of Plateau Peace Building Agency.
Keynote speaker at the workshop who is a veteran journalist and former NUJ Chairman Plateau State Council, Nde Katdapba Gobum spoke on the topic ‘Galvanizing Media Support for Interreligious Dialogue in Plateau State’, said the media community need to wake the Interreligious Dialogue Council up.
He noted that the media practitioners should prioritize promotion of national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The convener of the workshop, Mr. Wika Gofwen explained that the event was sponsored by the Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace as part of his projects as a fellow of the foundation.
He said the Fellowship which he started since March, 2023, has three modules which are Interreligious Dialogue, Conflict Transformation and Mediation.
Wika noted that as a fellow, it is mandated on them to carryout a community project that would address critical issues in terms of peace building and understanding, which he said necessitated the workshop.
The event featured technical sessions, group work and presentations by the participants.