By Uzo Ugwunze
Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) has expressed its readiness to partner with the Anambra State Peace and Mediation Working Committee established by the Kinpact Development Initiative (KDI) to promote peace, tolerance, and credible participation ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election.
Managing Director, Mr Christopher Molokwu gave the assurance while playing host to members of the committee on a courtesy visit at the station’s corporate headquarters in Awka.
The visit formed part of the committee’s statewide advocacy engagements aimed at fostering synergy with key institutions that shape public opinion and community behaviour.
Speaking during the visit, former Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, commended ABS for its balanced and non-partisan approach to political reporting and programming, describing the station as a vital platform for peace communication.
He noted that the role of the media in peacebuilding goes beyond news dissemination to shaping the mindset of citizens towards tolerance and constructive participation.
“Anambra is blessed with a vibrant media like ABS, and we commend the station for maintaining professionalism and neutrality in its coverage.
“At this critical moment, we need to amplify messages of peace and coexistence, no matter people’s party affiliations or ideological differences.
“The committee’s mission is to prevent electoral violence, strengthen citizens’ trust in the process and promote an environment where elections can hold without fear or intimidation,” he added.
Secretary of the Committee and KDI State Representative, Mrs Ugochi Freeman, explained that the Peace and Mediation Committee was established to bring together credible individuals drawn from civil society, religious, and professional bodies to engage stakeholders across the state on conflict prevention and peace education before, during, and after the elections.
She said the team’s advocacy to media organisations like ABS is strategic, given the media’s influence in shaping narratives and promoting responsible citizenship.
“We are not waiting for conflict to happen before responding. Our approach is preventive, using dialogue, civic education and early warning systems to identify and resolve tensions.
“The media plays a central role in this process, and that is why we are here to build a partnership that reaches every community and every voter with the message of peace,” she added.
Also speaking, Director of the Institute for Peace and Security Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and a member of the committee, Prof Jaja Nwanegbo emphasised that peace-building is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration between security agencies, civil society, and the media.
He highlighted the importance of information sharing, accurate reporting, and issue-based coverage as tools for defusing political tension.
“The media is both a mirror and a mediator in society. When you amplify messages that promote dialogue and fairness, you contribute to stability. That is why partnerships like this are crucial for peaceful elections,” he stated.
Responding, ABS boss, Molokwu, commended the KDI Peace Committee for its proactive and inclusive approach, describing peacebuilding as an essential national duty.
He reaffirmed that ABS remains committed to professionalism and social responsibility in all its programming, adding that the station’s editorial values are anchored on truth, trust, fairness, accuracy, and balance.
“As a public service broadcaster, promoting peace and national cohesion is at the heart of what we do. We will continue to use our platforms which include radio, television, and digital to support initiatives that advance peaceful coexistence.
“Content creation around civic education, tolerance, and responsible participation will be prioritised as the election approaches,” he noted.
Molokwu assured the committee of ABS’s full collaboration in all its media-driven activities, including the forthcoming Anambra Peace Summit, which will bring together political candidates, party leaders, security agencies, and civil society groups to commit to peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election.
The visit ended with a joint resolution to strengthen partnerships between the Peace Committee and ABS through targeted public enlightenment campaigns and interactive programmes that encourage peace, unity and respect for democratic values in the State.