A new platform of media professionals dedicated to promoting peace and countering divisive narratives has been launched in Abuja with the flag-off of the Media Against Violent Extremism (MAVE) Network.
The launch, which took place on Monday, September 1, 2025, was part of a two-day Media Capacity Building, Roundtable, Dialogue and Flag-Off of the Media in PCVE Network organised by the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network in collaboration with the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub (PCVE KIRH).
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Jaye Gaskia, Chair of the PAVE Steering Committee, traced the network’s history to its founding in 2014 through the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), international organisations and local civil society groups. He explained that PAVE has since grown into a national civil society network operating in 22 states, dedicated to strengthening partnerships between government, civil society, and communities in tackling violent extremism.
“Our motto is simple and true: Paving the way to peace,” Gaskia said. “Today, we are institutionalising media engagement through MAVE because narratives shape behaviour, and responsible, conflict-sensitive journalism is essential to prevention, de-escalation and reintegration.”
Flagging off the MAVE initiative under the theme “Institutionalizing Media Engagement in PCVE: Why MAVE Matters,” speakers emphasised the centrality of the media in shaping public perceptions and countering extremist ideologies.
“For years, Nigeria has grappled with violent extremism and its devastating impacts on communities and the economy,” the keynote speech noted. “At the heart of the National Action Plan for PCVE lies communication. How we frame issues and report them determines whether we fuel division or foster peace. The media is not a bystander — the media is a frontline actor.”
The vision of MAVE, according to organisers, is to establish a permanent, nationwide platform of journalists, editors, broadcasters, and digital media practitioners committed to amplifying narratives of peace, resilience, and social cohesion.
Participants at the event were also urged to embrace collaboration, accuracy, and conflict-sensitive reporting as tools for building a safer and more resilient Nigeria.
The two-day programme, supported by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) through ActionAid Nigeria, continues on Tuesday with a media roundtable, training on responsible PCVE reporting, and the development of collaborative strategies for sustained engagement.