Stakeholders Perceptions of Government Peacebuilding Communication Strategies in Taraba State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33102/jcicom.vol5no2.147Keywords:
Peacebuilding, Communication Strategies, Stakeholders' Perceptions, Taraba State, NigeriaAbstract
The study set out to investigate stakeholders' perceptions of government peacebuilding communication strategies in Taraba State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Agenda Setting Theory. Furthermore, the research was a qualitative study premised on in-depth interviews. The researcher selected twenty-one stakeholders from different local government areas in Taraba State to gather data on the peacebuilding communication strategies employed by the Taraba State government. The findings revealed that the government has implemented various peacebuilding communication strategies, including leveraging local leadership, forming peace committees, conducting town hall meetings, and using peace jingles to promote messages of unity and reconciliation. However, the study also identifies challenges such as political interference, logistical constraints, and lack of proactive security responses during conflicts that hinder the effectiveness of these strategies. The study concludes that a comprehensive and inclusive approach to peacebuilding that addresses the root causes of conflict and promotes social cohesion and community engagement is essential for promoting sustainable peace in Taraba State. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the Taraba State government should ensure that peacebuilding efforts are apolitical, local leaders and community members should be actively engaged in peacebuilding efforts, security agencies should be proactive in responding to conflicts, and civil society organisations and international partners should provide support to peacebuilding initiatives.
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