Published by Collins Osahon
ABUJA/KARU — The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting restorative justice, reconciliation, peaceful coexistence and responsible, victim-centred journalism in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Executive Director, News, NTA, Mr. Ayo Adewuyi, stated this in remarks delivered on his behalf by the Assistant Director, News, NTA Headquarters, Mr. Omini Oden, at a Special International Seminar organised by the Ambassador Bulus Lolo Centre for Diplomacy, Conflict, Peace and Plural Studies, Bingham University, Karu, near Abuja.
The seminar, which brought together scholars, policymakers, diplomats, security experts, civil society actors and development practitioners, focused on the theme: “The Utility of Apology in Restorative Justice System and the Management of Victims of Violent Extremism in Africa.”
Mr. Adewuyi described the theme as timely and significant, noting that while justice is often associated with prosecution and punishment, sustainable peace also requires truth, accountability, reconciliation, healing and the restoration of human dignity.
He observed that violent extremism has inflicted severe physical, emotional, psychological and economic consequences on communities across Africa, resulting in displacement, broken families, destroyed livelihoods and weakened trust in institutions.
According to him, rebuilding affected societies must therefore go beyond physical infrastructure to include deliberate efforts to restore trust among individuals, communities and institutions.
He noted that a sincere and voluntary apology, accompanied by accountability and meaningful reparative action, could serve as a powerful instrument of reconciliation by acknowledging wrongdoing, validating victims’ experiences and creating pathways towards healing and forgiveness.
However, he stressed that an apology by itself cannot erase the pain caused by violence or replace justice, but can form an important component of a broader restorative justice framework aimed at promoting healing and social cohesion.
The Executive Director further highlighted the relevance of Africa’s traditional values of communal harmony, dialogue, reconciliation and respect for human dignity, calling for the integration of these values with modern legal and institutional mechanisms for conflict resolution.
He emphasised the strategic role of the media, particularly public broadcasting, in shaping public perception and strengthening peacebuilding efforts.
According to him, the mandate of the NTA extends beyond informing, educating and entertaining the public to include promoting national unity, responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence and national development.
He said the media has a responsibility to provide factual, balanced and responsible journalism capable of reducing misinformation, discouraging hate narratives and creating credible platforms for informed public discourse.
Mr. Adewuyi also called for greater sensitivity in reporting violent extremism, stressing that victims should not be reduced to statistics in news reports but should be treated as human beings whose experiences deserve dignity, empathy and respect.
He cautioned media organisations against reportage that could inadvertently glorify perpetrators or amplify extremist propaganda, urging journalists to adopt conflict-sensitive and victim-centred approaches when covering violent extremism and its consequences.
The NTA Executive Director reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to collaborate with government institutions, academic centres, civil society organisations, international development partners and peacebuilding institutions to promote restorative justice, peaceful coexistence and support mechanisms for victims of violence.
He noted that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through security interventions alone, but requires inclusive dialogue, public education, community engagement, responsible leadership and strategic communication.
He expressed confidence that the recommendations emerging from the seminar would contribute to policy development, academic scholarship and practical interventions aimed at strengthening peacebuilding mechanisms across Africa.
Mr. Adewuyi commended the Ambassador Bulus Lolo Centre for Diplomacy, Conflict, Peace and Plural Studies for creating a platform for intellectual engagement and policy dialogue on issues critical to peace, justice and development on the continent.
He reiterated NTA’s commitment to using its platforms to advance conversations and initiatives that promote justice, healing, reconciliation, national integration and lasting peace.
