By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, has enjoined media practitioners to engage in responsible journalism that is truly concerned with a balanced and truthful account of events.

Speaking on Tuesday in Kaduna at a Seminar and Award ceremony with a theme, “Tackling Security Challenges: The Role Of Media”, organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council, Aruwan also chided Journalists to eschew judgmental representations and describe reality without exaggeration and sensationalism.

He said: “Journalists must exhibit sincerity, honesty and adhering to facts, devoid of pursuing divisive agendas which are threats to common good”.

“As members of this elite group, the media must ditch the divisive narratives sold for decades by desperate power mongers. We can no longer buy into denigration and dehumanization. We must not buy into ethno-centric politics and narrow sentiments”.

“Journalists should not exploit loss and suffering through selective condemnations, but make sure that the reporting is balanced. Peace journalism should be focused on preventing further escalation of conflict.”

The commissioner advised practitioners to unite the people with a shared hope and vision through their reportage at this critical stage of national development.

Earlier in his welcome address, Moses Kolo the Acting Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel,

said that journalists as watch dogs of the society, should cooperate with security agencies to douse the fears of the masses and build confidence in the people

He called on his colleagues to de-escalate unconfirmed reports especially on attacks and other forms of insurgency.

“This is necessary as such reports would give the perpetrators of the dastardly acts undue prominence and a sense of superiority when they are always or on daily basis, making the headlines.

“Today, we have gathered here not just to celebrate the achievements of the Awardees, but also to give due regard to our values and morals which the awardees exemplify, like discipline, compassion and zeal for the upliftment of humanity,” he stated.

While commending the conveners for acknowledging his outstanding performance in the management of insecurity and insurgency in the state, Aruwan emphasized the need for journalists to be alive to their responsibility towards peace and security.

He assured that government continues collaboration with security agencies, and engage productively with citizens to address security challenges across the state.

He said the event was also to recognize individuals who have made immense contribution to the society.

“These brilliant individuals exhibit such qualities that have not only helped them in achieving their goals, but also bring glory and success to spheres of influence,” he added.

The awardees include former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi awarded for Peace Building, Aruwan, received award of excellence and Chief Anthony Hassan for Outstanding Performance in Human Capacity Development particularly in Education.

•PHOTO:Kaduna State Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, receiving an award of excellence from the Chairman, NUJ, Kaduna Council, Asmau Yawo Halilu.