The former commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade (Rtd) has urged journalists to ensure proper dissemination of factual information to ensure national security and development.
Alade gave the advice on Tuesday in Akure during his lecture at the ongoing press week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, with the theme: “A Nation at crossroads: The Media amidst National Security and Economic Woes”.
He explained the importance of the media industry in enhancing national security, and influencing the outcome of national affairs.
He said this makes the media an important tool, hence the need for journalists to promote good governance and religious tolerance in the country.
“Over the years, the media have remained a veritable channel through which countries inform their citizens and the world of their activities, decisions and policies, which have direct bearing on national security and interest.
“Due to its wide usage, the media strongly influence the dynamics and outcomes of conflicts and accounts for why parties to a conflict aim to exploit the media to foster their goals, activities and objectives. It is within this context that countries and security agencies seek to use the media as a viable option in conflict resolution,” he said.
The Chairman, NUJ, Ondo State, Mr Adetona Aderoboye, lauded the developmental efforts of the present administration, and listed the advantages of an information department in the state.
He explained that an information department, if created by Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in each local government area, would accelerate Information dissemination and information management