Journalists and civil society actors have been urged to play a frontline role in exposing drivers of violent extremism and promoting peace across Nigeria.
This call was made at the Lagos and Ogun Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Sensitization and Engagement Forum, organized by the PAVE Network in collaboration with Media Against Violent Extremism (MAVE), held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at BWC Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Addressing participants, PAVE Network’s media consultant, Senator Iroegbu, who spoke on behalf of Mr. Jaye Gaskia, Chair of the PAVE Network Steering Committee, emphasized that violent extremism thrives where grievances are ignored and bad governance persists.
“The media and civil society must serve as watchdogs, not just reporting violence but unpacking its root causes poverty, exclusion, injustice, and inequality. Without their voices, the fight against violent extremism will remain incomplete,” he said.
The forum highlighted the PAVE Network’s work across 22 state chapters and its Knowledge, Innovation, and Resource Hub (KIRH), which supports Nigeria’s PCVE policy framework. Participants stressed the need for journalists to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting, while civil society groups were encouraged to deepen engagement with marginalized communities vulnerable to radicalization.
Stakeholders also agreed that government efforts alone cannot defeat violent extremism, calling for stronger partnerships between the media, civil society, security institutions, and grassroots actors.
The event concluded with a call to action: for journalists to use their platforms to foster dialogue, counter hate narratives, and spotlight solutions, and for civil society organizations to bridge gaps between communities and state institutions.