The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) has cautioned media practitioners across the country against over sensationalistic reportage of terrorist activities.
Mr Francis Nwosu, the Executive Secretary of the Council gave the caution in his address of welcome at the workshop on “The Role of Media in Combating Violent Extremism and Terrorism in Nigeria at Ibadan in Oyo on Wednesday.
The workshop was organised by NPC in collaboration with a consultant, Forte and Henz Limited for journalists and media practitioners from the Southwest Geopolitical Zone of the country.
Nwosu said the first leg of the workshop was done in early part of November in Umuahia, Abia for the Journalists from the Southeast Geopolitocal Zone of the country.
“This shows the premium Council places on capacity building programmes for journalists and media professionals, especially at this time when extremism and terrorism are testing the collective resolve of the nation.
“While it is a function of media to inform, and the right of the media has gone over-board in their reportage by engaging in sensationalism and other unethical and professional conduct in order to attract more audience and patronage.
“This is unfortunate, since the press, as fourth esteem of tie realm, should be socially responsible by playing a vital role in Nation-building.
“This gathering is to sensitive and remind media professionals on the best approach and ways of covering and reporting terrorism and activities of extremists. This will enable us to practice with a deep sense of responsibility and nationalism,” Nwosu said.
Speaking, Mr Ademola Babalola, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo Council appreciated NPC for bringing the training to Ibadan.
Babalola explained that insecurity has become a thing of concern for all well meaning Nigerians including the media.
“However, as journalists, we must be the vanguard of preaching of peace not sensationalise terrorism activities. Citizen journalists are not helping matters.
“NPC has been training journalist round the country every year. I say thank you and we appreciate you,” Babalola said.
News Authority reports that not fewer than 50 Journalists from the Southwest Geopolitical Zone were in Ibadan for the workshop.