A retired senior military officer, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd.), has charged journalists to embrace responsible reporting and constructive dialogue as tools for strengthening peace and security in Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria.

Usman gave the charge while delivering a keynote presentation at the 2025 Annual Press Week organised by the Kaduna State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kaduna.

Speaking on the theme “Media and the Kaduna State Peace Model: Strengthening Dialogue, Security and Development in the North,” he described the media as a powerful catalyst capable of reinforcing peace or aggravating conflict, depending on how information is framed and disseminated.

He noted that Kaduna State, often regarded as a microcosm of Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity, has experienced cycles of ethno-religious violence, banditry, and kidnappings, but has also recorded progress through dialogue-driven peacebuilding initiatives.

Usman emphasised that responsible reporting demands accuracy, balance, verification, and restraint from sensationalism, especially in conflict-sensitive situations.

He advocated peace journalism, stronger collaboration among government, media, and communities, and enhanced professional training for journalists in conflict-sensitive reporting and digital verification.

He warned against the dangers of misinformation, hate speech, and deepfake technologies, calling for fact-checking mechanisms and early warning systems.

Usman concluded that when responsible journalism is paired with strong institutions and inclusive dialogue, sustainable peace is achievable and replicable.