…urges citizens to adopt national mindset
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The executive director of the Africa Polling Institute (API), Prof. Bell Ihua has revealed that Nigeria is set to launch its 2025 Social Cohesion Survey to bridge the persistent gap between data availability and its practical application in fostering national stability .
He made this known at a one-day workshop for journalists held in Abuja, themed “Promoting Effective Media Reportage Through the Use of Social Cohesion Data.”
Ihua lamented that Nigeria is faced with high level of social cohesion challenges, ranging from low trust in government to high polarization and poor access to justice, equipping the media with data literacy skills is a strategic step towards shaping narratives that promote unity over division.
He urged citizens to adopt a mindset that prioritizes national identity over ethnic, regional, or religious affiliations. “We must begin to see ourselves as Nigerians first. It is this shift in orientation that builds bridges of understanding and strengthens social cohesion.”
He noted that the upcoming 2025 survey will be API’s third national report on social cohesion, following earlier editions that helped define key indicators for measuring unity, tolerance, trust, civic responsibility and inclusiveness across the country’s diverse population.
We present the data in a way that captures people’s attitudes and lived experiences. The goal is to use this data to drive development, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance,” he said.
On his part,a social policy expert Dr. Olusoji Adeniyi, described social cohesion as “the strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity within a society,” stressing its significance for national stability, democratic governance and inclusive development.
“In Nigeria, we have rich datasets and warning systems, but the challenge has been translating that data into meaningful action,” he said. “Journalists, as agenda-setters, must be equipped to use this data in ways that deepen public understanding and shape policy.”
Adeniyi further noted that API’s nationwide surveys have revealed widespread public dissatisfaction and growing divides along religious, ethnic, and political lines, with many stakeholders still unaware of these dynamics or unable to apply them in policymaking or civic programming.
He called for urgent, data-driven interventions to mitigate fragmentation and strengthen national cohesion before these divisions escalate further.
In his presentation,Dr. Obiora Chukwumba, a journalism scholar and analyst, highlighted the role of media and storytelling in shaping national identity and fostering cohesion. He lamented the declining quality of journalism in Nigeria, citing poor funding and dwindling reach as major factors.
“Many media outlets no longer have the resources to do in-depth or investigative reporting,” he noted. “This affects their ability to tell stories that reflect the diversity of the Nigerian experience or promote unity.”
He called for sustainable business models for media organisations and renewed investments in training and innovation to elevate journalism standards.
Founder of Akweya TV and media trainer, Odoh Okenyodo advised journalists to approach social cohesion reporting with professionalism, responsibility, and a strong sense of civic duty. He warned that reporting on sensitive identity-related topics comes with inherent risks, particularly in conflict-prone areas.
“Journalists face real threats – from limited access to reliable information, to harassment and the absence of proper insurance or institutional protections,” he said. “But this must not deter you from reporting the truth responsibly. What matters is how we frame our stories and the language we use.”
He urged journalists to avoid sensationalism and instead focus on context, nuance and solutions-based journalism, especially when covering issues that cut across ethnic, religious, or regional lines.
In his presentation,Dr. Obiora Chukwumba, a journalism scholar and analyst, highlighted the role of media and storytelling in shaping national identity and fostering cohesion. He lamented the declining quality of journalism in Nigeria, citing poor funding and dwindling reach as major factors.
“Many media outlets no longer have the resources to do in-depth or investigative reporting,” he noted. “This affects their ability to tell stories that reflect the diversity of the Nigerian experience or promote unity.”
He called for sustainable business models for media organisations and renewed investments in training and innovation to elevate journalism standards.