By Aliyu Dangida
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, has tasked media practitioners in the county to continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics while contributing positively to national cohesion.
Abdullahi said this in a welcome address at the maiden National Security Summit on “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building” in Abuja on Thursday.
“It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of responsibility that I warmly welcome you all to this historic National Security Summit jointly organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Today’s gathering is both timely and significant. We meet at a period when our nation continues to confront complex and evolving security challenges that demand collective action, strategic thinking and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.
From terrorism, banditry and kidnapping to cybercrime, misinformation, violent extremism, separatist agitations and other emerging threats, Nigeria’s security environment requires innovative responses and stronger partnerships.
“The theme of this summit, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” reflects a shared understanding that national security is not the responsibility of security agencies alone. It is a collective undertaking that requires the active participation of government institutions, the media, civil society and citizens working together in the national interest.
“Permit me to note that when I was elected National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in November 2024, one of the key commitments I made to members of our great Union was to create platforms that would promote professional development, strengthen engagement with critical national institutions and position the media as a constructive partner in addressing the challenges facing our country,” he said.
Abdullahi explained that the commitment was to build stronger bridges between journalists and stakeholders whose work directly impact on national development.
“The vision behind that commitment was to build stronger bridges between journalists and stakeholders whose work directly impacts national development and security. I firmly believed then, as I do now, that meaningful dialogue and collaboration between the media and security agencies are essential for deepening democracy, promoting national unity and advancing the public interest.
“The summit represents the fulfilment of that promise. Seeing this gathering of media professionals, security chiefs, policymakers, academics and other stakeholders reassures us that the vision is becoming a reality. It is a testament to what can be achieved through commitment, partnership and a shared determination to serve our nation better.
“The media and security institutions occupy strategic positions in every democratic society. While security agencies are entrusted with protecting lives, property and national sovereignty, the media serves as a critical bridge between government and the people through information dissemination, public enlightenment and accountability”. He noted.
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