In celebration of World Peace Day, the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), in collaboration with Search for Common Ground, hosted an Appreciative Inquiry and Mentorship Seminar at the Old Government House in Plateau State. The seminar brought together youths, bloggers, and media professionals from the Better Youth Representation Advocacy Network (BYRAN) to promote peacebuilding efforts across Plateau and Bauchi states.
The event highlighted the importance of using digital platforms and the media to foster peace and encourage collaboration. Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of PPBA, emphasized the role of everyone in promoting peace, especially through positive storytelling in the media. She urged participants to shift from negative narratives to constructive, peaceful dialogue in their communities.
Mr. Alfred Mangai, Project Media Officer at Search for Common Ground, praised the Plateau State Government for its collaboration in building lasting peace. He noted that the skills acquired during the training would help participants adopt conflict-sensitive reporting, thereby promoting peace through responsible journalism.
Mr. Shama Balami, Digital Peacebuilding Project Officer at Search for Common Ground, spoke on the power of technology in peacebuilding. He stressed the need for countering negative online narratives, which often contribute to physical conflict, by using the same platforms to promote peace.
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.
Other key speakers, including Mr. Yakubu Taddy and Hon. Timothy Golu, addressed the challenges posed by misinformation and fake news. They urged media professionals and influencers to verify sources and maintain ethical standards in their reporting, reinforcing the role of media in shaping public perceptions.
The seminar also introduced participants to the Appreciative Inquiry method, which focuses on leveraging positive experiences and strengths for peacebuilding. Mr. Elkanah Izang, Director of Administration at PPBA, outlined the four steps of this approach—discovery, dream, design, and destiny—and emphasized its potential for promoting healing and reconciliation.
Hon. Nanbol Listik, a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, called for the integration of conflict sensitivity into the education curriculum to prepare future generations for a peaceful society. The seminar concluded with a commitment to ongoing mentorship and collaboration among participants, government institutions, and NGOs for sustainable peace in the region.
