Abuja, Oct. 11, 2024 – Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), says Nigerian media has a critical role to play in shaping the country’s image and addressing its security challenges.
She said this at the 4th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON) at the University of Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa identified some of the multifaceted security challenges facing the country as insurgency, terrorism, inter-communal violence,
The NiDCOM boss, who was represented by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, said the challenges includes, cybersecurity threats, economic inequality, social unrest, and external threats.
She, therefore, called on the media to partner with the government to foster a more secure and prosperous Nigeria
“The media, as a powerful tool for information dissemination, plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing the government’s response to these challenges,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa urged the media to maintain a high level of responsibility, ethics, and professionalism in their reporting as well as ensure accurate and objective information dissemination.
Ralph Akinfeleye, a renowned Professor of Mass Communication and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AMCRON, also stressed the importance of national security, reiterating its role in protecting lives, property and the nation’s interests.
He highlighted the various threats to the country’s security, including kidnapping, banditry, fuel subsidy issues, strikes, economic struggles, mass migration, and others.
Akinfeleye urged the press to be free and independent in their roles of informing, setting agendas, monitoring, and educating the masses.
He also called for fair regulation of both traditional and online media to ensure responsible news dissemination.
AVM Saddiq Ishmaila Kaita, the Chairman, Governing Council, University of Abuja, underscored the significant role of the media in sensitising the public and promoting active participation in electoral and government activities.
He emphasised the importance of accurate news reporting in dispelling fear and fostering a sense of duty in the face of crises.
Prof. Aisha Maikudi, the Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, highlighted the evolving nature of national security and the need for the media to combat vices that threaten it.
She stressed the importance of accurate, balanced, and ethical reporting and warned against the dangers of propaganda, sensationalism and the misuse of social media.
Maikudi called on members of the media to act as watchdogs in society, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
Goodwill messages were received from security and Media experts as well as other stakeholders in the country. (GBN)
