The United Nations for Children’s Education (UNICEF), Borno state Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (MRRR) during the week organised a one- day workshop for Borno working journalists on the role of media in social reintegration of repentant Boko Haram terrorists and peace- building at the NUJ Press Center, Maiduguri.
The Borno state Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Mohammed Tar, in his opening remark commended the donors and organisers while describing the workshop as apt and timely.
He charged the media to continue with their objective reportage and disseminate Borno Model Concept of the government on non -kinetic approach and successes recorded.
Represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Modu Mustapha, he urged the media to consolidate on the positive narrative of progress and development achieved so far by the government on resettlement of IDPs and distribution of palliatives as well as livelihood support and skills acquisition training for the large unemployed youth in their reportage.
He assured of government willingness to deliver good governance and encourage bumper harvest through farming and other agricultural activities like irrigation and livestock.
National chairperson, NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim Kwayabura, enjoined journalists to live up to expectation and observe professional ethics in the discharge of their responsibilities to the people and society as peace- builders and not troubleshooters.
She also commended the donors and organisers of the workshop while acknowledging the support and cooperation of Borno journalists in promoting social reintegration, peaceful coexistence and peace in the state.
The Borno state NUJ state chairman, Comrade Dayda Military, in his remark, applauded the efforts and sacrifices of journalists in the state towards restoration of peace with their reportage. He said Borno journalists passed through the thick and thin of the insurgency with zeal and commitment from their positive narratives on activities of government and NGOs.
He encouraged journalists to be steadfast and consolidate on the good job they have been doing professionally, while soliciting for harmonious working relationship with the social media influencers, adding that time has come for both the citizen journalists and conventional journalists to iron out their differences and work together in the general interest of peace and progress of the state.