-By Funmi Falobi-

The second Nigeria media summit has begun in kano, discussing “Hate speech : halting the tide before it is too late.”

The summit was declared opened by the executive Governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullah Umar Ganduje, under the chairmanship of Alhaji Sani Zoro, former President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and  now chairman, House of Representatives committee on Information.

The focus of the summit is very apt as the nation prepares for the 2019 general elections.

Recalled that during the 2015 elections, hate speech was utilized by some political parties, politicians and their supporters thereby generating tension in the country.

Papers presented at the summit focused on the “Role of Journalism in the Digital Age” by Lanre Arogundade,Director International Press Center ,”Why hate speech is not free” by Dr Garba Abari, Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), and “The  Media against hate speech: Upholding ethical standards” by Mr Yau Sule, Executive Director, Center for Information and Technology.

Over 400 Journalists including 33 State councils of NUJ across Nigeria attended the summit.