‘’Broadcasting is a Security tool which is paramount and critical to National Security and therefore, every country takes its National Security very seriously’’.
This was stated in a meeting with Media Executives by the Ag. DG, NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba on Thursday 20th May, 2021, at the BON Hotel, Abuja.
The meeting was to address critically the role and functions of the Media in Nation building in relation to National Security.
Prof. Idachaba in his opening remarks, further stressed that anything that promotes violence and anarchy is seen as a security threat.
This he said was the reason why the NBC decided to invite special and gifted broadcasters in the industry to discuss the issues of Broadcasting and National Security.
He added that as Media practitioners, “we must educate our listeners about the ethical professional aspects of Journalism, and also self-regulate for the good of the country.”
In a paper presentation titled ‘Power of the Media in Nation Building and National Security’, Mr. Bayo Atoyebi, a former Ag. DG of the NBC and a former Executive Secretary, Nigeria Press Council, pointed out that the media is the catalyst in the society and its compromise in propagation of societal values, leads to a grave state of anomie and chaos.
Mr. Atoyebi added that the media undertakes surveillance of the environment, correlate events and activities for purveyance accumulation across generations.
He further noted that there was a need for mutual appreciation of each other’s role and therefore urged both the Media and Security agencies to endeavor to co-operate in order to enhance National Security and the general public’s interest.
In conclusion, he stated ‘’in pursuing Public interest, the media should be careful not to be like the proverbial bird that called up the rain, while it was out in the wild’’.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Bala Fakandu, a Security expert, and representatives of broadcast stations.
