Dabiri-Erewa emphasizes media’s crucial role in reshaping Nigeria’s image

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa has emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping Nigeria’s image and addressing national security concerns.

Dabiri-Erewa who made this known at the 4th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON), University of Abuja, highlighted the multifaceted security challenges facing the country,

Represented by the Commision’s Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the media, as a powerful tool for information dissemination, plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing the government’s response to the country’s challenges.
NIDCOM Boss mentioned the challenges to include insurgency, inter-communal, violence terrorism, cybersecurity threats, economic inequality, social unrest, external threats and called for media to partner with government to foster a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Dabiri-Erewa urged the media practitioners to maintain a high level of responsibility, ethics, and professionalism in their reporting, as well as ensuring accurate and objective information dissemination.

In his speech, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AMCRON, reknowned Professor of Mass Communication, Ralph Akinfeleye eechoed the importance of national security, while reiterating its role in protecting lives, property, and the nation’s interests.
The Board Chairman highlighted 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 and called for fair regulation of both traditional and online media to ensure responsible news dissemination.

Chairman, Governing Council, University of Abuja, Saddiq Ishmaila Kaita, underscored 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.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, 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 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.