(Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Nigeria)(2) Promise Adaku OBI
(Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria, Nigeria)*corresponding author
AbstractThis study examined the use of strategic communication in peace-building initiatives within conflict zones, highlighting its role in fostering dialogue, mitigating violence, and promoting social cohesion. In regions affected by political, ethnic, or communal conflicts, communication strategies are pivotal in shaping perceptions, reducing misinformation, and encouraging cooperation among conflicting parties. The study investigated how government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and media practitioners employ strategic communication tools including public service announcements, media campaigns, interpersonal messaging, and digital platforms to influence attitudes and behaviors conducive to peace. This study is based on a systematic literature review to explore strategic communication, communication, peace-building initiatives and conflict zones in Nigeria. In this case, the method is grounded in a thorough literature review, which includes academic articles including books and online resources to explore strategic communication and peace-building. The study identified crucial practices and challenges in implementing effective communication strategies. Findings indicated that well-planned messaging that is culturally sensitive, transparent, and participatory can significantly enhance trust, reduce hostility, and facilitate reconciliation processes. Challenges such as information manipulation, limited media access in remote areas, and audience skepticism are also highlighted as factors that may hinder the effectiveness of communication efforts. The study contributed to conflict resolution and communication scholarship by demonstrating how strategic communication can serve as a catalyst for sustainable peace and offers practical recommendations for designing, implementing, and evaluating communication interventions in conflict-prone environments. The study recommended that peace-building initiatives should embed strategic communication at the planning stage rather than treating it as an auxiliary activity. Communication objectives should align clearly with peace goals such as dialogue, reconciliation, and conflict prevention KeywordsStrategic Communication. Communication. Peace-Buildng. Conflict Zones, Nigeria
|
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.57235/hemat.v3i1.8075 |
Article metrics10.57235/hemat.v3i1.8075 Abstract views : 0 | PDF views : 0 |
Cite |
Full Text Download
|
References
Aaron S. (2012). What is next for security in the Niger Delta? Special Report 333: Washington DC 2003, United States Institute of Peace.
Ahmed, H. U. (2024). Northern Nigerian women in and beyond the Boko Haram conflict: complexities of media, communications, and gendered agency (Doctoral dissertation, London School of Economics and Political Science).
Airaoje, O. K., Obada, A. A., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). A Critical Review on Gender Based Violence in Nigeria: Media Dimension. Humanities, 3(2), 9-16.
Akpan, P. (2011). Planning Public Relations Campaign” in Chucks, O. (ed) Principles of PublicRelations Practice; the Nigeria Approach. Owerri: Opinion Research and Communications Consultants ltd.
Alabi, A.O., (2010). Management of Conflicts and Crises in Nigeria: Educational Planner‟s View CurrentResearch Journal of Social Sciences 2(6), 311-315.
Aliyu, M. A., Msughter, A. E., & Nneka, A. Q. (2023). Comparative Study of National Development Plans in Nigeria and India: Media Dimension. SIASAT, 8(4), 202- 212.
Aondover, E. M., & Akin-Odukoya, O. (2024). Trends and Dynamics of Popular Culture and Media Messages on Public Transport Literature in Nigeria. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(3), 183-195.
Aondover, E. M., Okuneye, A. P., & Onyejelem, T. E. (2024). Application of new media in peace building and conflict resolution in Nigeria. Journal of African Conflicts and Peace Studies, 6(1), 8.
Aondover, E. M., Onyejelem, T. E., & Garba, S. (2024). Media Role in Conflict Resolution and Peaceful Coexistence in Indigenous Communities. Journal of African Conflicts and Peace Studies, 6(1), 2.
Aondover, M. E. (2018). A comparative content analysis of the coverage of arms deal scandal in three Nigerian newspapers. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 10(1), 28- 37.
Aondover, P. O., Aondover, E. M., & Babele, A. M. (2022). Two nations, same technology, different outcomes: Analysis of technology application in Africa and America. Journal of Educational Research and Review, 1(1), 001-008.
Asemah, E. S. and Edegoh, L. O. (2012). Mass media agenda and conflict resolution in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. An International Journal of Arts and Humanities (IJAH), 1(4), 112- 129
Broom, G.M., Casey, S. & Ritchey, J. (1979). Toward a concept and theory of organisation public relationships. Journal of Public Relations research. 9(2), 83-98.
Deji, A. M. and Shumo, H. H. (2021). The incessant conflicts in Taraba State: The agonies of women during and after the conflicts, 1991 – 2021. Niger Delta Journal of Gender, Peace and Conflicts Studies, 1(4), 1-27.
Eze, V. O., Okonkwo, U. U., Nnamdi Eke, S., Eze-Aruah, D. C., and Ukaogo, V. (2021). Modernity could not destroy them: historicizing the African oral artist and the traditional means of communication in Nigeria. Cogent Arts and Humanities, 8(1), 2000556.
Galtung, J. (2000). Peace journalism –A challenge. In: W. Kempf et al., (eds). Journalism and the New World Order, Volumn 2. Gothenburg:
Galtung, J., and Fischer, D. (2013). Johan Galtung, the father of peace studies. Johan Galtung: Pioneer of Peace Research, 2013, 3-23.
Garba, S., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Beyond the framing process: An X-ray of newspaper reportage of conflicts in Northern Nigeria. Unisia, 41(2).
Guzuma, T. and Odogbo, B. O. (2023). Nonviolent communication and sustainable peace in conflict society: a peacebuilding approach. African Journal of Developmental Integrity and Peace Studies (AJODEPS), 4(2), 94-108.
Hile, M. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Secularism and ethical issues in media practice as a bane for National Development. SIASAT, 8(3), 166-177.
Hon, L.C. & Reber, J. (2011). Guideline for measuring relationships in public relations. Gainesville, FL: Institute for Public Relations.
Iduh, S., (2011). The key challenges to peace in Nigeria in International Journal of Vocational and Technical Education, 3(8), 121-134.
Igbashangev, P. A. and Ogunyemi, V. M. (2022). The evaluation of the role of communication as a management tool for crisis resolution between Tiv-Jukun crises in Wukari, Taraba state. International Journal of International Relations, Media and Mass Communication Studies, 8(2), 33-61.
Inobemhe, K, Ja’afaru, S. G., Santas, T. and Ogbesoh, A. T. (2024). Role of social media in enabling communication mobilisation and management during 2020 #EndSARS protests in Nigeria. Media and Communication Review, 4(2), 210-235.
Iweze, D. O. (2021). Boko Haram Insurgency, Interfaith Dialogue, and Peacebuilding in Kano: Examining the Kano Covenant. African Conflict & Peacebuilding Review, 11(1), 32-54.
Kevin, C. (2004). Towards conflict transformation and just peace,‟ Berlin: Berghof research centre for constructive conflict management.
Lederach, J.P. (2005) Preparing for peace: Conflict transformation across culture. Syracuse University Press.
Masuku, J.& Moyo, M. (2013). Modern public relations, New York: McGraw Hill.
Minjibir, A. S., (2018). Corporate social responsibility and relationship management: A study of Kaduna refining and petrochemical company (2016-2017). Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.
Mojaye, E. M., & Aondover, E. M. (2022). Theoretical perspectives in world information systems: A propositional appraisal of new media-communication imperatives. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 14(1), 100-106.
Msughter, A. E. (2017). Peace Journalism Practice and Development in the Northheast of Nigeria: Focus Group Discussion With Some Members Of NTA Correspondents'damaturu, Yobe State. Brazilian Journal of African Studies, 2 (4
Msughter, A. E., Hile, M. M., & Yar‟Adua, S. M. (2023). Ethical Issues and Insecurity in Africa: The Media Dimension. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 10(2), 58-68.
Msughter, A. E., Liman, A. M., & Ahmed, M. O. (2021). Integrating Indigenous Language to Promote Unity in Diversity among Broadcast Media in Nigeria.
Muhammad Auwal, A., and Ersoy, M. (2024). Tweeting “in the language they understand”: a peace journalism conception of political contexts and media narratives on Nigeria's Twitter ban. Media International Australia, 0(0), 1329878X241280234.
Musa, M., and Antwi-Boateng, O. (2023). Investigative journalism in the era of promotional politics: The case of Nigeria. Cogent Social Sciences, 9(2), 2244153.
Ndeche, O. and Iroye, S. (2022). Key theories in peace and conflict studies and their impact on the study and practice. NOUN International Journal of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution [NIJPCR], 2(2), 20-34.
Nordicom. Garba, S., & Msaughter, A. E. (2023). Newspaper Content Analysis of 2012-2015 Ombaste Ethnic Conflict in Nasarawa State: A Framing Theory Perspective. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 10 (2), 69-77.
Nwokolo, N. N. (2020). Peace-building or structural violence? Deconstructing the aftermath of Nigeria/Cameroon boundary demarcation. African Security Review, 29(1), 41–57.
Obasi, M. C., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Assessment of media coverage of environmental hazards in mining communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Environmental Challenges, 13, 100758.
Okocha, D. O. and Terhile, A. (2022). Peace journalism: A strategy for creating sustainable peace in Nigeria. Mkar Journal of Media and Culture (MJMC), 7(1), 50-66.
Onuegbu, F. C., & Ejike, O. A. (2024). “Going Back and Forth without Leaving”: Reexamining Nigeria-Israel Relations, 1970-1999. Interdisciplinary Journal of African & Asian Studies (IJAAS), 10(3).
Owens-Ibie, N., & Aondover, E. M. (2024). Hate postings on social media and peace imperatives in Nigeria. Legal challenges and political strategies in the post-truth era.
Peak, M. (2018). A swamp full of dollars: pipelines and paramilitaries at Nigeria‟s oil frontier. Chicago, II: Lawrence Hill Books.
Peak, W. J. (2001). Community relations. In P. Lessly (Ed), Hand book of publicrelations (4th ed). New York: AMACOM.
Reardon, B. & Cabezudo, A. (2002). Learning to abolish war: Teaching toward a culture of peace. New York: Hague Publications. Rummel, R. J. (2012). Understanding Conflict and War. War, Power and Peace http://www.mega.nu/ampp/rummel/wpp.appen16b.htm
Sambo, U., & Sule, B. (2024). Deradicalisation and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding in Northeast Nigeria: Countering Boko Haram's Extremism.
Targema, T. S. (2020). Using social media for managing ethno-religious conflicts in Taraba State: Stakeholders‟ perspectives‟. Unpublished master‟s thesis]. Bayero University Kano.
Tatham, S. (2010). Understanding stratejic communication: Towards a definition. stratejic communication for combating terrorism, centre of excellence – Defence Against Terrorism, Ankara, 17-27.
Taylor & Francis. Seitel, F.P. (2012) The practice of public relations. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
Toth, E. L. (ed.) (2007). The future of excellence in public relations and communication management. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Vajpeyi, K. (2012). The paradox of peace and its value in the world. Retrieved on 27th January, 2013 from http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/ethics-and-values/peace/ peace value.asp.
Yacob-Haliso, O. (2021). Gendered experiences of refugee and displaced women in Africa. The Palgrave Handbook of African Women's Studies, 2021, 579-602
Yar‟Adua, S. M., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Peace journalism and development: An appraisal of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ifeanyi Martins NWOKEOCHA, Promise Adaku OBI
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.