The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged media stakeholders to deny terrorists the “oxygen of publicity” by refraining from giving prominence to their cowardly acts.
Idris made the call at the maiden Quarterly Media Stakeholders Seminar, organized by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations, on Wednesday in Abuja. He was represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace, at the event, which had the theme: “Media as a Key Component of Joint Task Force Commanders’ Operational Success.”
According to the Minister, the seminar was a strategic initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the military and the media in their collective fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality that threaten national security.
Idris emphasized the importance of communication in modern battles, particularly in an era where information can influence outcomes as much as firepower. He stated, “Strengthening the partnership between the military and the media is essential not only for operational success but also for building public trust and fostering a national security-conscious citizenry.”
He added that the media, as the watchdog of society, must strike a balance between the public’s right to know and the imperative to protect national interest. He urged media stakeholders to avoid amplifying terrorists’ actions and to refrain from promoting negative rhetoric, particularly related to communal crises.
The Minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for his significant investments in military assets, personnel training, and intelligence-gathering mechanisms, calling on the media to support these efforts by mobilizing public backing for military operations and encouraging citizens to provide useful information to security agencies.
“The media plays a pivotal role in educating the public on how they can contribute meaningfully to national security,” he said.
In his address, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Mr. Williams Dogo, noted the evolving role of the media in the modern security landscape. He stated that the media has become a strategic force multiplier, capable of enhancing or hindering military operations.
Issa-Onilu emphasized that the influence of media narratives is significant, especially in asymmetric warfare where the hearts and minds of the populace are crucial. He warned against the proliferation of false narratives and misinformation, especially on social media, which could undermine military operations and erode public trust.
The NOA Director-General called for capacity building among defense journalists to ensure they maintain high ethical standards in their reporting.
(NAN)