By Ijoo Bosco Modi
The state minister of Culture, Youth and Sport has called on Eastern Equatoria media practitioners and artists to desist from hate speech as the country heads for the 2024 election.
Margrate Idwa Okuye, while closing a five-day training by “I am Peace Africa” on election reporting in Torit, urged media practitioners to report responsibly.
She encouraged young people to promote peace and reduce hatred within communities in the state.
The minister called on the youth to be responsible and creative in their pursuit of freedom of expression.
Idwa also mentioned the role of artists and music in passing information and messages which are the easiest modes of passing hate speech.
The state government is committed to collaborating with I Am Peace Africa to create a conducive environment for state media practitioners’ activities, applauding their training efforts.
She applauded “I Am Peace Africa” for training the state media practitioners, stating the state government is committed to collaborating with the organization to create a conducive environment for state media practitioners’ activities.
Meanwhile, the state minister of Information and communication, Elia John Alhaj cautioned the state media practitioners to always verify their reports before publication.
“As now we are entering a critical moment in the history of our country the revitalized peace is almost coming to an end, and people are sharing a lot of propaganda in the media and you can see fake news circulating here and there, Please let Eastern Equatoria State not be a source of fake, please don’t rush” Lament Elia.
He encouraged journalists and local artists to share credible stories about Eastern Equatoria State as the country prepares for its first democratic election.
Paula Itoo, Country Director for I am Peace Africa in South Sudan praised state journalists and local artists for initiating Torit post, as a forum to promote news social cohesion among participants of the five-day forum.
“I am truly very grateful to all of you the state Journalists as well the artists for your active participation and sharing and also for creating a Torit post, I am sure it’s going to be a leading post on social media,” said Paula.
The training was attended by over 30 media practitioners and artists in Eastern Equatoria state capital, Torit.