FIC Report (Edo State) – The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), in partnership with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR), has issued a strong call for the Edo State Government (EDSG) to expedite the full implementation of the State Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This appeal comes amid efforts to enhance media reporting on these critical issues and to ensure that policies translate into tangible actions.
The two-day media training organized by UNSCR was held from May 13th to May 14th, 2026, at the Home Ville Plus Hotel, Etete, Benin, Edo State.
Addressing the participants, the National Network Coordinator of WANEP Nigeria, Chief Dr. Bridget Osakwe, stated that the training aimed to bridge gaps in reportage on sensitive issues affecting women regarding WPS and YPS in conflict situations. It also sought to promote peace and security concerning GBV, ensuring sensitivity and survivor protection, advocating for gender equality, and supporting peacebuilding efforts vital to sustainable nation-building.
Dr. Osakwe urged participants to maximize the knowledge gained and the discussions held, reinforcing the media’s role in fostering peace, inclusion, accountability, and development.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, ably represented by Cormrade Daisy Osunde, Pubic Relation Officer, Ministry Of Women Affsirs zand Dicia Developmen appreciated the organizers and emphasized the vital role of the media in fostering peace, social cohesion, development, and peacebuilding. She highlighted the interconnected themes of Women, Peace and Security, Youth, Peace, and Conflict-Sensitive Reporting as crucial to nation-building.
Hon. Eugenia stressed that media practitioners are powerful agents of social change. She cautioned against negative narratives, misinformation, and sensationalism, which can escalate divisions and violence.
She further advocated for the Media as a strategic partner in advancing gender inclusion, child protection, social justice, and peacebuilding. The media should promote positive narratives, advocate against Gender-Based Violence, use responsible language, ensure ethical Journalism, and include Women and Youth in decision-making processes.
Hon. Abdallah reiterated that peacebuilding requires collaborative efforts among government, media, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, women, and youth organizations.
The training featured sessions led by WANEP Facilitator, Barr. Comrade Adesuwa Osa -Uwagie focusing on various topics, including the role of Journalism in shaping Public perception of Policy formulation and implementation, advocating for Victims, supporting Policy enforcement, and implementing WPS in Nigeria. Other sessions covered ethical storytelling/reporting on GBV, survivor-centered approaches, contextual understanding of GBV issues, professional standards, misinformation in media, digital responsibility, and technology’s role in GBV and WPS reporting. The importance of gender-sensitive language was also emphasized.
Barr. Adesuwa highlighted the significance of WPS and YPS topics and urged increased participation in peace negotiations, reconciliation processes, and Post-conflict recovery initiatives. She advocated for confidential reporting.
The training underscored the importance of responsible, accurate, and balanced Journalism that fosters empathy and avoids inflammatory language.
As responsible Media reporting gains prominence, participants are encouraged to leverage this workshop to enhance the media’s role in fostering peace, inclusion, accountability, and development.
The collaboration between WANEP-trained Journalists and Government Stakeholders marks a significant step toward improving accountability and promotñing Social Justice.
By Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO FIC, Benin
May 15th, 2026
