Stakeholders in Sokoto State, Nigeria, have called for greater inclusion, responsible journalism, and collaboration among the government, security agencies, communities, and civil society organisations to strengthen peace and prevent conflict in the state. This call was made at a one-day event organised by International Alert Nigeria to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Peace. The event, supported by the European Union, International Alert, Action Against Hunger, and other partners, had the theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Representing the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Adare, the Director of Administration in the ministry, Haliru Binji, emphasised that peace was fundamental to the existence and development of society. He noted that the presence of participants from different cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds at the event demonstrated the importance of peaceful coexistence. Binji urged residents to make peace a priority in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
The event featured various stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, women mediators, community dialogue groups, women and youth organisations. The District Head of Gagi called on Nigerians to respect one another irrespective of political, religious, ethnic, or regional differences. He emphasised that peaceful coexistence required recognition of the rights and dignity of other citizens, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Sokoto State Council, Comrade Usman Binji, urged journalists to adhere strictly to professional and ethical standards in reporting political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasised the importance of distinguishing legitimate criticism from hate speech and warned against reporting content that stereotyped, dehumanised, or incited hostility against people because of their identity.
Binji also cautioned journalists against publishing unverified claims from social media as facts, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence making it easier to create convincing fake photographs, videos, and audio recordings. He called on political parties and candidates to reject hate speech and violence, while urging citizens to verify political information before sharing it online.
Ayuba Remikat Blessing, the RECAP Consortium Coordinator for Action Against Hunger, said the programme aimed to promote equal opportunities for different groups, particularly persons living with disabilities. She emphasised that empowering vulnerable groups would contribute to peaceful coexistence and strengthen their participation in society.
The Sokoto State Police Command spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, urged residents to support security agencies with useful information to enable them to effectively tackle crime and maintain peace. He called for stronger cooperation between the police and communities, stressing that maintaining peace required collective responsibility.
Key points
- Stakeholders in Sokoto State call for responsible journalism and inclusion to curb conflict.
- The event was organised by International Alert Nigeria to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Peace.
- Journalists are urged to adhere to professional and ethical standards in reporting political activities.
