The Chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication, retired Major General Chris Olukolade, has declared that crisis communication is no longer a supportive function but a strategic national security asset, warning that modern crises now unfold in real time and demand equally rapid and reliable communication responses.
Zig Diaries | Crisis Communication
Date: Monday, 17 November 2025
Time: 13:15 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
Delivering his remarks at the National Symposium on Digital Innovations in Crisis Communication, held at the National Defence College, Abuja, Olukolade said today’s crises are more frequent, complex and predictable, driven by climate change, public health emergencies, security threats, cyberattacks, industrial incidents and social tensions amplified online.
He noted that digital platforms have significantly reshaped how emergencies evolve and how institutions must respond. In his words, the survival of affected populations increasingly depends on rapid access to verified information, institutional coordination and public response speed.
“Communication tools of yesterday can no longer address the emergencies of today,” he said, stressing that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, mobile alerts, big data and real-time monitoring systems offer unprecedented opportunities to detect early warning signals, counter misinformation and improve interagency coordination.
Olukolade further highlighted that inconsistent messaging, fragmented information flow and distrust in institutions weaken national resilience during emergencies. He called on stakeholders to embrace innovation, strengthen collaboration and transition from traditional systems to technologically enhanced crisis communication frameworks.
The symposium, themed “Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Transform Crisis Communication”, brought together security agencies, policymakers, media organisations, ICT regulators and development partners. Olukolade stated that enhanced crisis communication aligns with national goals of strengthening security, improving disaster response and boosting public confidence.
He affirmed the Centre’s mission as a facilitator and partner in promoting a unified national voice during emergencies, supporting security agencies and government institutions with accurate information and operational services during crisis periods.
The Chairman urged participants to engage critically, collaborate openly and contribute ideas that will shape the country’s future communication strategy. “The future of crisis communication depends on our ability to embrace innovation, strengthen collaboration and move decisively from traditional approaches to technology-enhanced solutions,” he said.
🏷️ Tags: crisis communication, digital innovation, national security, Centre for Crisis Communication, artificial intelligence, emergency response, Nigeria
#ZigDiariesCrisisCommunication #DigitalInnovation #Nigeria
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