Media, Civil Society Push for Stronger Role in Countering Violent Extremism
Journalists have been urged to play a more active role in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) in Nigeria.
At a two-day media capacity building and roundtable dialogue held in Abuja on Monday.
Stakeholders at the event warned that without the involvement of the press, the fight against insurgency, banditry, and extremism would remain incomplete.
The programme, themed “Amplifying Voices for Peace: Media Partnerships in PCVE and Resilience-Building,” also marked the formal launch of the Media in Preventing and Countering Violence Extremism Network (PAVE).
Chair of the Development and Management Team of the PCVE Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub, Jaye Gaskia, noted that Nigeria has been grappling with violent extremism for over a decade.
According to him, progress made in addressing the menace has often been undermined by setbacks.
“Many times, we take one step forward and two steps back. The media should not only hold government accountable but also trigger early response by raising alarms when communities show signs of brewing conflict,” he said.
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On his part, the Media Coordinator of the PCVE Network, Senator Iroegbu, stressed that journalists hold the power to shape narratives.
He explained that through balanced reporting and the amplification of peace-building voices, the press could counter extremist ideologies that fuel violence across the country.
“We are not here to lecture the media. What we want is collaboration and a platform for sharing ideas and building resilience against violent extremism,” Iroegbu added.
Other participants also shared insights on the role of journalists in promoting social cohesion.
They emphasised the need for more community-based reporting that highlights solutions rather than merely amplifying the violence.
Discussions also touched on Nigeria’s broader security architecture, with calls for decentralisation, data-driven policy, and closer engagement with communities.
Speakers at the forum argued that security challenges could not be solved by military force alone.
They maintained that prevention and resilience were critical, and the media has a strategic role to play in that regard.
The PCVE Network is a coalition of civil society actors, journalists, and private sector players.
Its members are working together to address the root causes of violent extremism and promote peace across the country.
By PRNigeria
