NUJ Hosts Security Summit June 18
Dr Nafisat Makinɗe, ABUJA
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will hold a two day National Security Summit in Abuja on June 18 and 19 to discuss collaboration between the media and security agencies in addressing national security challenges.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” will bring together government officials, security chiefs, media leaders, editors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, the union said the summit is intended to strengthen engagement between journalists and security operatives on crisis communication, information management and public confidence in national institutions.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.
The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, will deliver the keynote address, while the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the event. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.
According to the statement, the summit comes at a time when the country continues to face security challenges, the spread of misinformation and growing public concern over security issues.
Discussions will focus on responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information, protection of journalists covering security matters, countering disinformation and hate speech, and strengthening trust between journalists and security personnel.
The programme will feature goodwill messages, a keynote presentation, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience sharing by frontline reporters and interactive sessions with security officials.
Participants are expected to adopt a communiqué and a framework for future engagement between the media and security institutions at the end of the summit.
The NUJ said it remains committed to press freedom, professional ethics and the welfare of journalists, while promoting peace, security and national development.