The Premium Times Training Academy recently organised a two-day training on peace and conflict-sensitive reporting for investigative and security journalists in Abuja. The training, which took place between September 23 and 24, 2026, focused on the role of journalists and the media in either mitigating or escalating conflicts through the framing and presentation of news. Journalists from various media organisations, including LEADERSHIP, Punch, and The Sun, participated in the programme. The academy stressed the need for responsible reporting to avoid deepening tensions and fuelling conflicts.
The training featured sessions on the nature and dynamics of conflicts, hate speech, misinformation, ethics, and professionalism. Facilitators included renowned experts such as Professor Isaac Olawale Albert of the University of Ibadan and Dr Joan Hassan of Kaduna State University. The programme examined the consequences of injurious and insensitive reporting, particularly in conflict situations, where media narratives can influence public perception and exacerbate existing divisions. Participants were drawn from media organisations, including the International Centre for Investigative Reporting and News Agency of Nigeria.
The academy warned journalists against attributing crimes or violent incidents to an ethnic, religious, or regional group where such identification is not relevant to the story. This practice, known as ethnic profiling, can lead to further divisions and conflicts. The training also addressed emerging challenges associated with artificial intelligence, particularly the spread of AI-generated content and misinformation. Journalists were trained to verify information before publication and handle material obtained from social media platforms responsibly.
On the second day of the training, participants studied lessons from conflicts in Sierra Leone, Kenya, and Rwanda. They were exposed to approaches for gathering and writing news in environments affected by hate speech, as well as techniques for fact-checking and verifying social media content. The programme covered the sourcing and interpretation of humanitarian data, fact-checking, hate speech, and newsroom practices that can reduce the risk of harmful reporting.
The academy encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired in their daily reporting while maintaining professional and ethical standards. The training was designed to strengthen journalists' understanding of conflict dynamics and help them recognise how media narratives can affect conflict situations. By equipping journalists with the necessary skills, the academy aims to promote responsible reporting and mitigate the risk of conflicts.
Facilitators included the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikilu Mojeed, and the Managing Editor, Idris Akinbajo. Other experts who contributed to the training were the Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, Dayo Aiyetan, and the Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi. The programme provided a platform for journalists to engage with experts and share experiences on conflict-sensitive reporting.
The Premium Times Training Academy's initiative is a step towards promoting responsible journalism in Nigeria. By educating journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting, the academy aims to contribute to a more informed and peaceful society. The training is part of the academy's efforts to strengthen the capacity of journalists to report on conflicts in a responsible and sensitive manner.
Key points
- Journalists were warned against ethnic profiling in conflict reporting to avoid deepening tensions and fuelling conflicts.
- The training programme covered topics such as hate speech, misinformation, and conflict-sensitive reporting.
- The academy aims to promote responsible reporting and mitigate the risk of conflicts through education and training.
