By Abdussalam Maryam Umma
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoeed Abiodun Lagbaja said “Responsible Journalism” is a great Panacea in tackling the security challenges in Nigeria, as information gathering and dissemination play a vital role for effective military operations against the bad elements in the country.
The Chief of Army Staff who was also the keynote speaker stated this today at the 1st International Conference organized by the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; with a theme: Communication, Media, Insecurity and Development: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward.
The Army Chief who was ably represented by Brig. Gen. M. Akin Ojo of Army Engineering Division Nigeria Army said it is very imperative to feed the nation with accurate and verified information to avoid misinforming the already informed society that may escalate problems that could lead to security issues.
“The Nigerian Army needs the support of journalism practitioners and professionals through responsible journalistic practices to fight against insecurity in the country. Most at times, Communication is not only what is said but how it is said, and absorbed by the society,” he said.
He added that for every nation to experience sustainable development, security of life and property is nonnegotiable. According to him, “security is development and development is security and no any other ways about it.”
Lt Gen. Taoeed Abiodun Lagbaja highlighted some challenges of military operations to include politicization of security, global issues, among others. He stressed the need for security education and awareness, balance reporting, training of media practitioners and periodic conferences/meetings and seminals; such as this.
On his part, the lead paper presenter, Kaigama of Adamawa and vice Chancellor federal university, Kashere, Gombe State, Professor Umar A. Pate who presented a paper on the topic: “Communication and Insecurity in Nigeria: issues and Challenges in the Era Artificial Intelligence,” said conflict retards development of the nation.
He added that objectivity in the media is subverted and media contents are commercialized, and people write without understanding the national issues. While urging the government, media owners and relevant authorities to invest heavily in the journalism profession and journalists for effective and objective reportage, so as to bring about development and a secured Nigeria.
“For journalism profession to flourish, there must be economic safety. The journalists should be paid reasonable salaries for effective service delivery.”
The Day 1 event was graced by eminent Nigerians, including the governor of Kaduna State Sen. Uba Sani who was ably represented by the commissioner for Education, Prof. Muhammad Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau), the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamali who served as the royal father of the occasion, the Director General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mallam Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos represented by Hajiya Sa'adatu Suleiman (served as the chairman of the occasion), the renowned Academians across Nigeria and International Community, the Deans of Faculties, HoDs, among others.
The 1st International Conference Organized by Mass Communication Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is expected to last for three days consecutively (26th, 27th and 28th February, 2024).
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