By: Ameer Obansa
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
Idris stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open a two-day National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).
Serving as Chairman of the occasion, the Minister described insecurity as a global challenge that requires collective responsibility and the active involvement of all stakeholders.
He stressed that the media, as the watchdog of society, must maintain a strong working relationship with security agencies to promote peace, stability and national development.
According to him, the welfare of journalists remains a priority for the Federal Government, adding that a framework aimed at improving the welfare of media practitioners across the country would soon be unveiled.
Idris commended the leadership of the NUJ for initiating the summit and assured Nigerians that the government would continue to strengthen mechanisms aimed at tackling security challenges nationwide.
In his remarks, the National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahya, said the summit was convened in recognition of the constitutional role of the media and the need to deepen collaboration with security institutions.
He explained that the gathering seeks to build stronger relationships between journalists and security agencies, thereby enhancing democracy and promoting national security.
Yahya particularly praised the Department of State Services for what he described as its improved relationship with the media, noting that no journalist had been arrested by the agency in over one year.
He urged other security agencies to strengthen their engagement with media practitioners and expressed optimism that deliberations at the summit would contribute significantly to addressing the country’s security concerns.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the International Press Relations (IPR), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Governor of Kano State and the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), among others.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” attracted participants from across the country.(Enduring News)
