Minister of Information charged journalist to be innovative and strategic as information managers

The Minister of Information and National Orientation has charged journalists to be innovative and strategic in delivering quality information to strengthen public confidence, counter false narratives and promote peace and national stability.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris gave this charge today in Abuja, while .his key note address at a training and workshop organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Information Chapel, for information officers with the theme, *Empowering The Messenger: Innovative Approaches To Public Informations In The Face of Security Challenges*.

The Honourable Minister was represented at the event, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa as he disclosed that, the responsibility of information managers is to provide accurate Information and coordinated communication in the fight against terrorism and insurgencies in the nation.

The Minister while using the medium to urged journalists and security professionals to unite in safeguarding the minds and lives of its citizenry , also commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Information Chapel and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) for having the fore sight in organizing the workshop, he added that, the training organised was geared towards demonstrating a deep understanding with a holistic approach to National Security for a robust public information strategy.

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, while welcoming participants to the workshop, added that the role of public information officers as frontline defenders in an era of rapid digital disruption and complex security threats, is key for national growth and development

Major General Adamu, said that as custodians of information, journalist’s as information managers are not just reporters or spokespersons, they are guardians of public trust through quality information, he herefore said, empowering information managers is not a slogan but a mandate for credibility, preparedness and innovation that determine the power and reach of the message.

Laka, said that terrorism knows no bounds or borders, hence , safety, security and future of the nation depends on the fourth estate of the realm the ability to work together, share intelligence and foster resilience in communities

The Director General, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Mr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, who was represented by the Director News, Halima Musa said, the workshop provides unique opportunities to sharpen your skills, learn innovative approaches and to extend ideas to 9thets in the cause of discharging their duties, as they will be equipped with tools to effectively communicate in a complex environment and to crap messages that are not only accurate and transparent but also compelling and resilient against manipulation

Journalists she said are to build public confidence, foster national immunity and counter destructive narrative of those who seek to divide the nation she added.