From Maryam Aminu, Kaduna
The Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has called on journalists across the country to embrace responsible and peaceful reporting as a key tool for national transformation.
Rev. Hayab made the call during an Iftar gathering jointly organized by the Global Peace Foundation and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, in Kaduna.
Addressing journalists and invited guests at the event, Rev. Hayab described the occasion as a moment of reflection and unity, especially as the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan coincides with the Christian season of Lent.
According to him, both seasons emphasize values such as patience, empathy, sacrifice, and unity virtues that are equally essential in professional life, particularly in journalism.
“Journalists hold a powerful pen and an influential voice. You shape public opinion, highlight truths, and hold power to account,” he said.
He also stressed that in a diverse country like Nigeria, the responsibility of the media goes beyond simply reporting events.
“You are not just reporters of events; you are architects of perception and facilitators of dialogue,” Hayab stated.
The peace advocate emphasized that the media plays a critical role in determining whether information will unite or divide communities.
He therefore urged journalists to adopt peaceful reporting that promotes national development and cohesion.
Rev. Hayab further encouraged journalists to avoid sensational reporting that could incite fear or deepen divisions in society. Instead, he called on them to prioritize accuracy, fairness, and ethical journalism.
He outlined key areas where journalists can contribute to nation-building, including reporting with integrity, giving voice to marginalized communities, highlighting stories of resilience and cooperation, and promoting dialogue across ethnic, religious, and political lines.
“The words we choose, the stories we tell, and the angles we highlight can either fuel conflict or foster peace,” he noted.
Rev. Hayab reaffirmed the commitment of the Global Peace Foundation to working with the media as partners in building a culture of peace in Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman NUJ Kaduna Council, Comrade Abdul Gaffar Alabelewe expressed his gratitude to Almighty Allah, and said that this Iftar is the maiden ceremony of it’s kind in the history of Kaduna state Council and the Global Peace Foundation.
