Responsible Journalism, A Key Component in Promoting Peace in Niger State.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
Media practitioners in Niger State have been urged to prioritize the dissemination of accurate information, positioning themselves as essential stakeholders in the promotion of peace within the State..
During a pre-summit media chat and roundtable discussion held in Minna, Commissioner for Homeland Security, Muhammad Bello Abdullahi, emphasized the vital role journalists play in the state’s security framework.
He encouraged media professionals to commit to sharing precise information with the public to help maintain calm and order.
The Commissioner highlighted the need for professionals in the field to exercise diligence and professionalism, cautioning against the spread of sensational news that may incite public distress.
He reassured participants that the State Government remains dedicated to collaborating with the media to address various challenges, reinforcing efforts to achieve the goals of a progressive Niger State.
As part of the discussion, the Commissioner provided insights into an upcoming Peace and Security Summit, themed “Collaborative Approaches to Security and Peace Building with a View to Safeguarding Niger State.” This initiative is designed to engage stakeholders across Local, State, and Federal levels in exploring viable solutions to the security issues facing the state..
Bello also noted that challenges related to security information management would be a focus of the summit, emphasizing how effective management can lead to quick decision-making and better community preparedness.
Responding to inquiries from journalists regarding security concerns in the state, the Commissioner affirmed the government’s firm commitment to addressing any potential threats.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Bologi Ibrahim, serving as the Coordinator of Media Affairs, reiterated Governor Umaru Bago’s relentless efforts to foster peace, progress, and development across the state, which hinges on the cooperation of the media.
Comrade Abu Nmodu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Niger State Chapter, assured that journalists have consistently adhered to professional ethics and will continue to champion peace within the community.
Dr. Diamond Preye, a Director at the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute of Peace and Sustainable Development Studies, praised the government’s initiative to organize a peace summit, stating that sustainable development is impossible without peace, and urging all to become advocates for harmony in society.
