REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS, fnipr, AT THE OPENING OF A TWO-DAY TRAINING WORKSHOP ON EFFECTIVE REPORTING TOWARDS STRENGTHENING ALTERNATIVE TO TERRORIST IDEOLOGIES” FOR SECURITY/DEFENCE CORRESPONDENTS/REPORTERS HELD AT THE OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER ON TUESDAY, 25TH JUNE, 2024
Protocol.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am highly honoured to be here today as the Special Guest of Honour at this significant training workshop for DefenceCorrespondents/Reporters dedicated to “Effective Reporting Towards Strengthening Alternatives to Terrorist Ideologies.”
Before I proceed with my speech, I would like to take a moment to commend the NCTC and, in particular, the Office of the National Security Adviser, for your proactive efforts in the fight against terrorism as well as the numerous successful rescue operations of kidnap victims, which are devoid of publicity. Thank you for your dedication and service to the nation.
Similarly, it is commendable to note that, in advancing the frontiers of the fight against terrorism, the NCTC has sustained a strategy of regular engagement with the media. This approach significantly contributes to shaping public perception and understanding of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and national security. Thank you once again for your continued efforts in this vital aspect of our national security.
The media holds an immense power to influence minds, shape narratives, and promote peace. In the fight against terrorism, the media can either undermine or bolster our collective efforts to provide alternatives to extremist ideologies. Through your reports, images, and commentaries, you have the unique ability to educate, inform, and inspire resilience among the public.
Terrorism is not merely a physical threat; it is an ideological battle of the mind with the extremist groups exploiting vulnerabilities, spreading fear, and propagating messages that present them as fighting for a social cause, in order to further their depraved agenda. To counter this, we must offer compelling, positive alternatives that resonate with the same audiences targeted by terrorists. Therefore, your reporting plays a pivotal role in this endeavor.
To achieve this, the media should continue to project successful initiatives and programmes of NCTC and ONSA that counter radicalization as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant terrorists into the community.
I will enjoin the Defence Correspondents/Reporters to work closely with security experts, sociologists, psychologists, and community leaders to provide a multi-faceted perspective on terrorism and its alternatives. Use data and research to back your stories, thereby enhancing credibility and depth.
At all times, the media should uphold the ethics of journalism by being objective and fair and guard against sensationalism. You must also respect the dignity of victims and affected communities and void language that could be construed as biased or inflammatory.
Please note that sensational reporting can inadvertently glorify terrorist acts and spread fear. Similarly, misinformation and fake news can be as damaging as the terrorist acts themselves. You must avoid this at all cost!
Let me also use this platform to reiterate the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration to free and responsible journalism. We sincerely appreciate your work and we will continue to support you through access to accurate information, regular media briefings, and training opportunities such as this workshop. Together, we can create a strong, united front against terrorism.
I thank you for listening and it is my singular honour to declare this workshop open.
I wish you all, a fruitful deliberation.
Mohammed Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation
25th June, 2024.
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