By TAYE OBATERU
Jos— Another call has gone to the Federal Government to implement reports of past inquiries into disturbances in various parts of the country as a way of addressing their root causes.

The call was contained in a statement at the end of an International Conference on Africa, Media and Peace Building organized by the Department of Mass Communication in collaboration with the Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies (CECOMPS) both of the University of Jos.

The statement, jointly signed by Head of Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Christy Best, Director of CECOMPS, Dr. Audu Gambo and the Conference Consultant from the USA, Dr Andrew Critchfield, also advocated constitutional recognition for traditional rulers to effectively lead peace- building in their areas.

It observed that the media often contributed to escalating conflict situations by their style of reportage and urged them to shift towards peace journalism as opposed to war journalism.

It called for life insurance cover for journalists in view of the hazards of the profession and for proprietors, especially government, to allow them operate without interference.

The statement added: “That agencies charged with the responsibility of applying sanctions on erring journalists and media organisations should discharge their duties conscientiously, without any fear or favour;

”That the training of media practitioners should be intensified to further build their capacities in the discharge of their duties; that media practitioners should present their reports in a way that promotes unity among the people.

”While urging relevant anti-corruption agencies across the world to vigorously check acts of corruption in the media profession, it recommended the introduction of Peace Education in the curricula of primary and secondary schools to instil the virtues of peace in people.