A clarion call has been made to journalists in Borno State to amplify the voices of survivors of the Boko Haram insurgency and promote transitional justice.
The call came from the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development during a one-day training program held in Maiduguri on Saturday. Professor Abubakar Mu’azu, Coordinator of Good Governance and Human Rights at the Centre for Peace, Diplomatic, and Development Studies (CPDDS), emphasized the crucial role of the media in advocating for survivors’ rights.
“The media has a responsibility to ensure that the stories of survivors are told and that their rights are protected,” he said.
According to him, journalists should report on survivors’ issues with a problem-solving approach, avoiding stigma and danger. This includes exploring solutions, amplifying survivors’ voices, and promoting a supportive environment.
“By highlighting supportive organizations, policy changes, and stories of resilience, the media can create a positive narrative, emphasizing survivors’ strength and agency rather than vulnerability.”
The training program, supported by UKaid, aimed to equip journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively advocate for survivors’ rights and promote a culture of justice and accountability.
Professor Mu’azu noted that the insurgency has had a devastating impact on communities in Borno State, with over three million people displaced and many more affected in other ways.
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“The situation is dire and requires urgent attention from all stakeholders,” Professor Mu’azu added.
Also speaking, Hamsatu Allamin, the Chief Executive Officer of the Allamin Foundation, appealed to journalists to join forces with her organization to promote transitional justice and accountability in Borno State.
“We believe the media has a critical role to play in promoting transitional justice and accountability in Borno State,” she said.
“The Allamin Foundation has been working in Borno State for several years, providing support to survivors of the insurgency and promoting peace and development in the region.”
In his lecture during the training, Prof. Nuhu Gapsiso stated that the media has the power to shape public opinion, amplify survivors’ voices, and hold those in power accountable, making them a crucial partner in promoting transitional justice and accountability, particularly in the context of the Boko Haram insurgency.
“By leveraging their influence, the media can help foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights, leading to a more just and equitable society,” Gapsiso added.
