By Joel Ajayi

The Africa Polling Institute (API) has announced the official launch of the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report, scheduled for July 3, 2025. The report aims to bridge the persistent gap between data availability and its practical application in promoting national unity, peace, and long-term stability.

The Executive Director of API, Prof. Bell Ihua, made the announcement during a one-day capacity-building workshop for journalists held in Abuja, themed: “Promoting Effective Media Reportage Through the Use of Social Cohesion Data.”

The training aimed to equip journalists with the skills to interpret and apply social cohesion data in storytelling, advocacy, and peacebuilding efforts.

Prof. Ihua underscored the importance of the media in shaping public narratives that foster unity. He noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with several social cohesion challenges, including widespread distrust in government, political polarization, and limited access to justice.

“Our findings consistently show that many Nigerians believe justice is not equally accessible. The perception that only the rich and powerful can seek redress feeds into wider disillusionment with the state,” Ihua stated.

He stressed the need for a collective shift in national orientation, urging citizens to embrace a Nigerian identity above ethnic, regional, or religious affiliations.

“We must begin to see ourselves as Nigerians first. This mindset shift is critical to building bridges and strengthening cohesion,” he said.

According to Ihua, the upcoming 2025 survey will be API’s fourth national report on social cohesion. Previous editions have helped define key indicators such as unity, tolerance, trust, civic responsibility, and inclusion across Nigeria’s diverse population.

“Data is more than numbers. It reflects real-life experiences and public attitudes. Our goal is to use these insights to inform policies, support peacebuilding, and drive inclusive development,” he added.

Also speaking at the workshop, Dr. Olusoji Adeniyi, a social policy expert and lead facilitator, described social cohesion as “the strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity within a society.”

He emphasized the critical role of journalists in using data to shape national dialogue and advance democratic governance.

“Nigeria has no shortage of data. The challenge is translating that data into actionable solutions. Journalists must be equipped to connect the dots and tell stories that inspire reform,” he said.

Adeniyi highlighted that API’s surveys continue to reveal deepening divides along religious, ethnic, and political lines, with many policymakers and civic actors yet to harness these findings for effective intervention.

Odoh Okenyodo, founder of Akweya TV and media trainer, charged journalists to approach social cohesion reporting with professionalism, integrity, and a deep sense of civic duty. He noted the risks involved in reporting sensitive identity-related issues, especially in conflict-prone regions.

“The threats are real—from limited access to reliable data, to harassment and lack of institutional support—but journalists must not shy away from the responsibility of reporting the truth,” he said.

He advocated for context-driven, solution-focused journalism that avoids sensationalism and promotes narratives of unity, healing, and inclusion.

Development expert Titilope Ojo also addressed the challenges faced by media professionals working under owners who often prioritize political and economic interests over national development narratives.

“Despite these pressures, journalists must remain committed to advancing the national interest. Nationalism should be at the heart of the stories we tell,” she said.

Journalism scholar Dr. Obiora Chukwumba lamented the declining quality of journalism in Nigeria, citing poor funding and limited reach as key constraints. He called for sustainable business models, investments in investigative journalism, and capacity-building initiatives to elevate standards across the sector.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hamisu Muhammad, Head of Mass Communication at Baze University, delivered a keynote lecture on the complex interplay between identity, nationalism, and media narratives. He attributed Nigeria’s sociopolitical fragmentation to the rise of micro-nationalism—a trend where ethnic and regional loyalties are placed above national identity.

> “Media can either unite or divide us. It all depends on the values we choose to uphold in our editorial decisions,” he said.

Dr. Muhammad concluded by calling for a more inclusive, balanced media approach that respects Nigeria’s diversity but works actively to bridge existing divides.

As API prepares to unveil its 2025 Social Cohesion Survey Report, stakeholders expressed hope that the data will not only inform government policy but also empower journalists and civic actors to tell stories that build trust, promote justice, and inspire national progress.

The workshop ended with a collective call for greater collaboration among media practitioners, researchers, and civil society to transform social cohesion data into a practical tool for peace, equity, and inclusive nation-building.

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