Media Plays a Crucial Role in Advocating For The Rights Of Boko Haram Victims, Survivors, Prof. Mu’azu Tells Borno Journalists

Media plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of Boko Haram victims, survivors, Prof. Mu’azu tells Borno Journalists

By Madu Mohammed Mauduguri

A university don, Professor Abubakar Mu’azu of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri has urged journalists and media practitioners in Borno state to advocate for the rights of the victims and survivors of Boko Haram insurgency and transitional justice.

Delivering a paper at a one-day advocacy training program organized by Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development held in Maiduguri  yesterday,. Professor Abubakar Mu’azu, said “the media has a responsibility to ensure that the stories of survivors are told and that their rights are protected,”.

The one day Advocacy training program was organized by Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development and supported by UKaid, aimed at ewuiping journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively advocate for survivors’ rights and promote a culture of justice and accountability.

Mu’azu who is also the coordinator of Good Governance and Human Rights at the Centre for Peace, Diplomatic, and Development Studies (CPDDS) said media played a crucial role in advocating for the right of victims and survivors’ “.

He called on journalists to report on survivors’ issues with a problem-solving approach and avoiding stigma and danger on them through the application of the concept of ” Do no harm “, stressing that the approaches includes exploring solutions, amplifying survivors’ voices, and promoting a supportive environment.

“By highlighting supportive organizations, policy changes, and stories of resilience, the media can create a positive narrative, emphasizing survivors’ strength and agency rather than vulnerability.”, the university Don added.

Professor Mu’azu stressed that the insurgency has had a devastating impact on communities in Borno State, with over three million people displaced and many more affected in other ways.

Earlier speaking,, the Chief Executive Officer of the Allamin Foundation, Hajiya, Hamsatu Allamin urged journalists to join forces with her organization to promote transitional justice and accountability in Borno State

“The Allamin Foundation has been working in Borno State for several years, providing support to survivors of the insurgency and promoting peace and development in the region. We believe the media has a critical role to play in promoting transitional justice and accountability in the State,” she said.

Also in his paper, Prof. Nuhu Gapsiso said that the media has the power to shape public opinion, amplify survivors’ voices, and hold those in power accountable, hence the need partnership with the media in promoting transitional justice and accountability, particularly in the context of the Boko Haram insurgency.