The Plateau Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), in collaboration with Search for Common Ground, held an Appreciative Inquiry and Mentorship Seminar for youths and media professionals from the Better Youth Representation Advocacy Network (BYRAN) in celebration of World Peace Day in Plateau State.
The seminar, held at the Old Government House in Plateau State, brought together participants from Plateau and Bauchi state with the goal of encouraging youths, bloggers, and micro influencers to collaborate as peacebuilders in their communities. It also introduced participants to the Appreciative Inquiry method, which focusses on identifying strengths and positive experiences that can be used as tools for peacebuilding.
Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), underlined the importance of everyone’s involvement in promoting peace. She emphasised that peace is a common duty, and the way stories are told on the media has a significant impact on community perceptions.
She encouraged participants to shift their narratives from negative experiences to positive, forward-looking dialogue that promotes peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Sanda urged youth and media professionals to promote peace in their fields, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure harmony and understanding in Plateau State and beyond.
Mr. Alfred Mangai, the Project Media Officer of Search for Common Ground, highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to transform how conflicts are addressed and resolved. He praised the Plateau State Government for its purposeful collaboration in striving for lasting peace in the region.
Mangai noted that the training provided during the seminar would equip participants with valuable skills to promote conflict-sensitive reporting, empowering them to contribute positively to peacebuilding through responsible media coverage.
In his presentation, Mr. Shama Balami, Digital Peacebuilding Project Officer for Search for Common Ground, emphasized the significance of using digital platforms for peacebuilding and the necessity of transition from traditional conflict resolution methods to digital technology.
He said “A lot of times, when negative narratives are online, they can translate into physical conflict and violence. We need to use the same technology to counter these narratives and reduce their negative impact,”
Mr. Balami outlined a project strategy involving youth, micro-influencers, and community leaders to promote freedom of religion and belief, collaborating with government institutions and NGOs for sustainable peace.
Mr. Yakubu Taddy, emphasized the importance of understanding fake news and its influence on society. He cited historical examples of political manipulation and the rise of social media as sources of unverified news.
Taddy urged journalists to verify information from reliable sources and present balanced reporting, rather than succumbing to sensationalism. He criticized the trend of publishing stories based on unsubstantiated claims and emphasized the need for ethical standards in journalism to ensure accurate and reliable information.
Mr. Sefa Chia, The Media Officer for Search for Common Ground, highlighted the power of social media as a tool for conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Nigeria. He emphasized how platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook can amplify voices calling for peace, monitor early signs of conflict through keywords and posts, and promote reconciliation among divided communities.
However, he also pointed out the challenges of misinformation, fake news, and hate speech, stressing the importance of verifying information before sharing it. Chia called on local influencers to use their platforms responsibly, advocating for unity and positive engagement instead of fueling violence.
In his lecture on Appreciative Inquiry, Mr. Elkanah Izang, The Director of Administration for Plateau Peace Building Agency, emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from issues to strengths in peacebuilding efforts. He noted that typical dispute resolution procedures frequently focus on negative features, which limits their usefulness.
However, Appreciative Inquiry promotes communities to recognise and build on their current strengths, positive experiences, and possibilities. He described the four steps of this approach—discovery, dream, design, and destiny—and emphasised its ability to promote healing, reconciliation, and long-term peace by magnifying what works well in society.
Honorable Timothy Golu, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, urged youths, bloggers, and social media influencers to address misinformation and verify sources. He also praised Search for Common Ground for promoting conflict sensitivity and ethical journalism.
Hon. Nanbol Listik, member representing Langtang Central at the Plateau State House of Assembly, echoed similar sentiments, lauding the agency responsible for organizing the event. He stressed the importance of integrating conflict sensitivity into the curriculum of educational institutions to prepare the next generation for a peaceful and well-informed society. The lawmaker recognized the critical role of media in shaping public perceptions and called for a stronger legal framework to address issues of conflict and peacebuilding within the state.
