The Ag. DG, NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, on Thursday, 3rd June, 2021, attended the 74th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, (BON).
The theme of the event is “National Security: Kidnapping, Banditry, Role of Media, and the way forward’’.
In his goodwill message, the Ag. DG, stated that it was a great honour for him to be at the 74th BON General Assembly. He noted that the choice of theme for this meeting is very key and that the general assembly wouldn’t have come at a better time, especially now that there is a high degree of restiveness in the country.
He further stated that the media should always be preemptive, in terms of, creating the foundation that will nurture and evolve a secured country, while also appealing to broadcasters to be reasonable in the course of carrying out their primary responsibility, which is to build and unify the country, as well as lead the country to National development, by creating a generally robust and peaceful atmosphere.
Prof. Idachaba assured the assembly that the NBC remains very opened to the industry on all forms of engagement.
The Ag. DG spoke on the issue of freedom of expression where he noted that the NBC is not out to strangulate any operator but rather expect broadcasters to be reasonable with the medium they handle. He urged them not to be used as tools that will negate the nation’s value, divide the country, or stagnate the development of the country.
Speaking on the theme “National Security”; Kidnapping, Banditry, Role of Media and the way forward, Rear Admiral Edem Eyo, noted that the essence of National Security is to safeguard national interest and values. He added that information is one of the elements of National Security which could be used to improve or jeopardize National Security.
Rear Admiral Eyo concluded by saying that the media must collaborate with security agencies to avoid disseminating information that can or will threaten National security.
In attendance was the Chairperson, BON, Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim, Stakeholders in the broadcast industry, representatives from the paramilitary agencies as well as the Security agencies.
The event was held at Hawthorn Suites, Garki- Area 11, Abuja.