Journalists hold the power to influence strategies, people's actions, and reactions through reporting , analysis, storytelling, and the information they disseminate to members of the public.
The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Major General Adamu Garba Laka stated this at a roundtable discussion organised by the centre in partnership with the Defense Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN).
Speaking at the event held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja Nigeria's Capital, General Laka said the role of the media, especially defense and security beats is pivotal in shaping public perception and policy on critical issues of national security and interest.
"Most of you have reported from the front lines, analyzed trends, and followed the intrinsic network that sustained these threats to our national security and interest. You have confronted not just the facts, but also the responsibility to report with accuracy, fairness, and sensitivity in an environment that is often fraught with misinformation and heightened emotions"
The NCTC Coordinator assured the Defence Correspondents that the National Counterterrorism Center Office of the National Security Advisor will continue to collaborate with them and other critical stakeholders to achieve and sustain the disruption of terrorist propaganda.
"By sharing your experiences, observations, and challenges, together we aim to enhance collective understanding of the dynamism of terrorism and its evolving tactics, discover the ethical considerations of reporting on such sensitive issues, identify opportunities for collaboration between journalists, security experts, and policymakers, and harvest thoughts for the development of a national strategic communication plan and protocols for the gathering and distribution of news on terrorism and violent extremism with the hope of stemming threats to our national security and interest"
The Special Adviser to President on Public Communication and orientation, Mr. Sunday Dare, said it is essential that reporters always bear national interest in mind in their reportage especially on matters of national security.
Mr. Dare who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the roundtable with Defence Correspondents is very important as journalists shape and project the image of the country through their reportage.
" So for journalists that are here today, please let us know that there is a need for a fine balance between our reporterial duty and national interest".
Presentating a paper titled; National Security and National Interest: A Development Journalism Approach for the Defence Beat, retired Major General Chris Olukolade emphasized that it is important for everyone to continuously work together to promote the culture of security awareness and collective responsibility.
"in an era of rising security threats, the role of journalists in shaping public perceptions and for fostering national cohesion cannot be overstated. Reporting on Defence beat in a counter terrorism context demands a delicate balance between transparency and protection of national security "
He clarified that development journalism has its emphasis on nation building and offers a constructive framework for journalists covering sensitive issues of counter terrorism to ensure that media coverage aligns with national interest as they are intricately linked.
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