…Calls for Collaboration on National Security and Peace
By Rahmatullah Mahmud
In a riveting one-day interactive parley held at the DSS national headquarters in Abuja on December 14th 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) played host to a dynamic gathering of civil society organizations and media practitioners including National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP. The event which was themed “Building a Symbiotic Relationship for National Security and Peace”, aimed to foster collaboration and address critical security issues through the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Former Director General of the DSS, Matthew B. Seiyefa, in his speech asserted that a weak system nurtures corruption and emphasized the pivotal role of good governance in combating terrorism. Seiyefa applauded the DSS for its commitment to the nation’s welfare and urged all stakeholders to contribute to the perpetual process of nation-building. He underscored the media’s responsibility in portraying security events transparently, asserting its role in setting the national agenda.
Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS, urged media houses to report stories patriotically and without intentional bias. Emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism, Afunanya called on journalists to report with the nation’s best interests at heart.
Adding a media perspective, Olusegun Adeniyi, Chair of the Editorial Board of ThisDay Newspaper, highlighted the power of storytelling and the influence it wields. Adeniyi encouraged storytellers to choose positive angles that portray Nigeria in a favorable light, emphasizing the impact of media narratives on public perception.
The event witnessed robust interactions, with participants deliberating on pressing security issues, posing questions, and offering solutions. The DSS received commendation for its commendable work, prompting calls for other agencies to emulate their effective approach to national security. The speeches emphasized the integral role of the media in shaping perceptions and underscored the need for collaboration among stakeholders to fortify the nation’s resilience against lawlessness.
