Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the governor of the state of Edo, has urged radio stations and other media outlets to develop original programming to support democratic debates and foster engagement on peacemaking and conflict resolution.
The charge was delivered by the governor in observance of World Radio Day, which is observed annually on February 13 by the UN and its affiliated organizations. The theme of this year’s celebration is, “Radio in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding.”
Obaseki, who recognized the crucial role that radio plays in the socioeconomic development of any society, urged the media to produce better content that would support peacebuilding and conflict resolution while also ensuring that all citizens had access to the information they needed to make well-informed decisions.
In honor of World Radio Day, he declared, “We join the rest of the world in recognizing the vital role that radio and the media play in society, particularly in terms of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. In particular, radio has played a significant role in facilitating access to timely and accurate information, encouraging tolerance and understanding, and encouraging communication and reconciliation in societies all over the world.
“It is more crucial than ever that we acknowledge and support the role of the media in promoting peace, stability, and security in these times of escalating polarization and violence. The media has a special and powerful role to play in preventing and resolving conflict, whether it be through giving a platform to voices that might not otherwise be heard, encouraging dialogue and understanding, or just acting as a source of accurate and trustworthy information.
Obaseki continued, “In Edo State, we are committed to assisting the media and promoting a free, independent, and diversified media landscape, particularly during this crucial period leading up to the presidential election. We will keep collaborating with radio stations and other media outlets to advance security, stability, and peace as well as to make sure that people have access to the facts and viewpoints they require to make wise decisions.