The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has urged information officers to be innovative in delivering quality information to strengthen the public confidence and Counter false narratives in order to promote peace and national stability.
Mohammed Idris charged journalist today in Abuja at a training workshop organized for information officers by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Information Chapel, with the theme, Empowering The Messenger: Innovative Approaches To Public Informations In The Face of Security Challenges.
The Honourable Minister who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa noted that, the responsibility of information managers is to provide accurate Information and coordinated communication in the fight against terrorism and insurgencies in the nation.
The Minister, used the medium to urge journalists and security professionals to unite in safeguarding the minds and lives of its citizenry.
Mohammed Idris, commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Information Chapel and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) for having the fore sight of organizing the workshop, stating that this demonstrate a deep understanding with a holistic approach to National Security for a robust public information strategy.
The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, in his words welcomed participants to the workshop, stated that, the role of public information officers as frontline defenders in an era of rapid digital disruption and complex security threats, as it is key for national growth.
Major General Adamu, stressed that as custodians of information, journalist’s are not just reporters or spokespersons, but guardians of the public trust through quality information, he therefore emphasised that empowering information managers is not a slogan but a mandate for credibility, preparedness and innovation that determine the power and reach of the message.
Laka, said that terrorism knows no bounds or borders, therefore the safety, security and future of the nation depends on our ability to work together, share intelligence and foster resilience in our community.
The Director General, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Mr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, represented by the Director News, Halima Musa, said that the workshop provides unique opportunities to sharpen journalists skills, learn innovative approaches and extend ideas to others around, as they are equipped with the tools to effectively communicate in complex situations and to crap messages that are not only accurate and transparent but also compelling and resilient against manipulation
The DG, concluded that journalists must build public confidence, foster National immunity and counter the destructive narrative of those who seek to divide the country.
