Media, Stakeholders Unite to Combat Violent Extremism in Nigeria.

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

Violent extremism has been identified as a major obstacle to national development in Nigeria, prompting renewed calls for collaboration between the media, government, and civil society to curb its spread.

This was emphasized on the first day of a two-day Media Engagement Workshop on Promoting and Preventing Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) and Stakeholders’ Initiatives in Nigeria, organized by the PAVE Network and held in Abuja.

In his welcome address, Mr. Jaye Gaskiya, Chairman of the Development and Management Team of the PCVE Knowledge, Innovation, and Resource Hub, and PAVE Network, urged journalists to play an active role in promoting accountability and peacebuilding across the country.

According to him, the media must go beyond reporting and become watchdogs that push for transparency in government actions, especially concerning security issues.

He emphasized that military solutions alone are not enough to address the root causes of violent extremism, noting that prevention and peacebuilding must involve communities, youth, and families.

Mr Gaskiya said, Women have a critical role to play in countering violent extremism by instilling moral values and guiding the upbringing of children.

He stressed that early response to signs of radicalization and violent extremism is key, saying Journalists must respond promptly to early warnings by reporting to relevant authorities.

Mr. Gaskiya highlighted the different forms of violent extremism across Nigeria; including IPOB in the South East, pipeline vandalism in the South West, Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, and farmer-herder conflicts nationwide — calling on the government to provide essential support and reintegration programs for rehabilitated individuals to prevent relapse into criminality.

He also encouraged Nigerians to embrace inclusiveness, mutual concern, and national unity, warning that violence in one region can easily spread to others if not addressed promptly.

He said Media practitioners must hold local, state, and federal governments accountable in an objective and transparent manner. The media is a frontline actor in shaping the narrative around violent extremism.

Gaskiya called on governments at all levels to integrate PCVE action plans into their annual budgets to ensure sustainable peace across Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Media Consultant for PAVE Network, Mr. Senator Iroegbu, expressed confidence in the media’s ability to serve as effective tools in addressing and preventing conflict.

He urged journalists to practice the strategies will be discussed during the two-day engagement for a safer and more united Nigeria.

In her goodwill message, the National Coordinator of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), Ms. Yetunde Adegoke, stressed the importance of community-based, people-centered development projects.

She stated that, when citizens, especially at the grassroots, are empowered through small-scale businesses and youth-driven enterprises, there is little room for violent extremism.

Ms. Adegoke encouraged the media to shift focus from sensationalism to solution-driven reporting that fosters peace and development.

Also speaking, Aliyu Adamu of ActionAid Nigeria highlighted the importance of building economic value chains as part of a long-term strategy to prevent violent extremism.

He reaffirmed ActionAid’s commitment to working with the media and other partners to change narratives and empower citizens.

The Federal Ministry of Information, represented by Dr Offiong Kanayo, who is the Secretary Nigeria Union of Journalist FCT, commended the PAVE Network’s initiative, expressing optimism that it would yield positive outcomes in the fight against violent extremism.

The ongoing Media Engagement is designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools needed to counter all forms of violent extremism and promote peace across Nigeria.