News Investigators/ Mohammed Idris, on Monday urged government information and public relations officers and media, to work with security agencies in combating fake news, hate speech, and divisive narratives.
Mr Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, made the call in Abuja at the opening of a training workshop for Information and Public Relations Officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister ws represented by represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Chinasa Ogbodo,
The training was organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)t Federal Information Chapel.
The minister said that misinformation could weaken public trust while insecurity could erode freedom of expression, adding that both accurate information and security were essential for peace and stability.
“We must unite in rejecting fake news, hate speech, and divisive narratives. Let us promote messages of peace, progress, and unity,” he said.
Mr Idris commended the Federal Information Chapel of the NUJ for their professionalism in telling the Nigerian story “with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility,” describing them as “shepherds of perception and champions of truth.”
He also lauded the NCTC for its resilience in tackling terrorism and countering extremist propaganda, pledging continued collaboration between his ministry and security agencies to safeguard both the minds and lives of citizens.
The National Coordinator of NCTC, Adamu Laka, emphasised the vital role of public information officers in shaping narratives and managing public perception, particularly in times of national crisis.
Maj.-Gen. Laka said the workshop was designed to enhance communication capabilities and foster collaboration across all government institutions involved in national security.
According to him, the theme; “Empowering the Messenger: Innovative Approaches to Public Information in the Face of Security Challenges,” aligns with the NCTC’s broader goals of strengthening national resilience and countering extremist ideologies.
“In an era of rapid information flow and evolving security threats, the role of public information officers has never been more critical.
“It will also support the Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy Committee (SC-IPC) in harmonising communication strategies across federal agencies to prevent radicalisation and combat violent extremism.
In his goodwill message, the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba-Ndace, commended NCTC for its efforts to strengthen strategic communication in national security.
Mr Baba-Ndace stressed the need for journalists and information managers to uphold truth, reject fake news, and promote narratives that foster unity.
He said the media must see itself as a “guardian of public trust” and avoid weakening national institutions, particularly security agencies.
He said that security challenges were; “not just physical battles, but also battles for hearts and minds.”
The Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Dambos, represented by the Director of News, Hajiya Halima Musa, highlighted the importance of responsible, timely, and accurate reporting in countering extremist propaganda and building public confidence.
He said the theme of the workshop was not just timely but a powerful call to action.
According to him, the security challenges we face, from terrorism to insurgency, are not just a physical battle. They are also a battle for hearts and minds.
“The narratives we create, the information we disseminate, and the trust that we build, are our most potent weapons.
“To the participants, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to sharpen your skills, learn innovative approaches, and to extend ideas,” he added.
The Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the training could not have come at a more critical time in an era where information travels faster.
Mr Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Communications and Media, Bala Musa, said their ability to communicate truth effectively to counter misinformation decisively, and to engage citizens constructively had become central.
“As managers of information and public relations professionals, you hold the unique position on the front lines of national security, not with weapons, but with words, truth, and trust.
“The stories you tell, the clarity you provide, and the trusts you build are powerful tools in strengthening public confidence and unity in the face of challenges.
“The NOA remains committed to working closely with institutions such as the NCTC to ensure that our information strategies are innovative, well-coordinated, and in-match.
“Together, we must ensure that public communication remains a force of enlightenment, reassurance, and national co-opting,” he said.
NAN
