A captivating one-day interactive meeting was held at the DSS national headquarters in Abuja on December 14th, 2023. The Department of State Services (DSS) welcomed a diverse group of civil society organizations and media practitioners, including the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP). The aim of the event, titled "Building a Symbiotic Relationship for National Security and Peace," was to promote collaboration and address crucial security issues through the exchange of ideas and experiences.
During his speech, former Director General of the DSS, Matthew B. Seiyefa, emphasized the pivotal role of good governance in combating terrorism and stated that corruption thrives in a weak system. Seiyefa commended the DSS for its dedication to the well-being of the country and called on all stakeholders to contribute to the continuous process of nation-building. He highlighted the media's responsibility in presenting security events transparently and recognized its role in setting the national agenda.
Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS, urged media organizations to report stories patriotically and without intentional bias. Stressing the significance of responsible journalism, Afunanya appealed to journalists to prioritize the nation's best interests when reporting.
Olusegun Adeniyi, Chair of the Editorial Board of ThisDay Newspaper, provided a media perspective and emphasized the power and influence of storytelling. Adeniyi encouraged storytellers to adopt positive narratives that depict Nigeria in a favorable light, acknowledging the impact of media narratives on public perception.
The meeting witnessed lively discussions, as participants deliberated on urgent security issues, posed questions, and offered solutions. The DSS received commendation for its exceptional work, prompting calls for other agencies to replicate its effective approach to national security. The speeches highlighted the integral role of the media in shaping perceptions and emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the country's resilience against lawlessness.
0 Comments