Media experts identify need to tackle hate speech


Media experts has identified the need to urgently stem the tide of hate speech in Nigeria in order to salvage the country from imminent disintegration

They made this position known at the one day webinar organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in collaboration with Penpushing Media.

The experts also has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to be tolerant on opposing views.

The webinarbwith the theme, “combating hate speech to build the culture of peace in Nigeria”, was aimed at training Journalists and
information managers which were selected from the six-geo-political zones of the country on methods of combating the menace of fake
news

In a communiqué issued at the end of the webinar, it was suggested that stakeholders should build a network of anti-hate speech
crusaders, inculcate the war against hate speech in children through the education curriculum.

The two-hour discussion centred on how Nigerian journalists can play their key roles in stemming the tide of hate speech in the country considering the vantage positions they occupy in the dissemination of news and information in the society.

“We must identify the sources of hate speech and how to tackle it, while efforts should be made to ensure victims of hate speech report
to relevant law enforcement agencies.

"Law enforcement agencies should be able to identify hate speech and be alive to their responsibilities in stemming the tide, without necessarily discouraging freedom of speech and expression.

“Government should be tolerant of opposing views and should not tag criticisms as hate speech.

"Journalists should be trained in conflict reporting and multicultural awareness campaign.

“It is dangerous to condone unwholesome practices or to be passive to the menace of hate speech because it is capable of snowballing into violence with unbearable consequences.

"The fight against hate speech is a collective responsibility”, the communique also stated.

While identify that fake news is not alien to the Nigerian media space, participants stated that there is need to begin moves to stem the tides
before it tears the country apart, while urging journalists to use their space to promote national unity.

“We must identify the sources of hate speech and how to tackle it, while efforts should be made to ensure victims of hate speech report
to relevant law enforcement agencies.

“Law enforcement agencies should be able to identify hate speech and be alive to their responsibilities in stemming the tide, without
necessarily discouraging freedom of speech and expression.

“It is dangerous to condone unwholesome practices or to be passive to the menace of hate speech because it is capable of snowballing into violence with unbearable consequences.

The fight against hate speech is a collective responsibility”, the participants added.

The speakers and facilitators at the training were drawn from all facets of the media strata which includes, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege (Olota of Ota) who is a Professor of Mass Communications, Dr Ayodele Johnson, a veteran journalist and
Associate Professor, Lead University, Ibadan and Stella Jibrin (Director Research/Documentation, Nigeria Press Council).

Others includes Deacon Owolabi Oladejo (Proprietor Metropolitan Broadcasting Services), Baba Kure Abba Jato (Commissioner HomenAffairs Information and Culture, Borno State) and Comfort Umanah, (Managing Director, Redemption 101.5 FM, Abak)
Meanwhile, the communiqué drafting committee includes, Eddy Ademosu, Oluremi Olugbenro, Femi Shodunke and Yemisi Fadairo.