The Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali, gave the order on Tuesday in Abuja at a seminar on “Media Management in Crisis Situation” organized by the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) for Information Officers of the military, security and response agencies. “Our security and response agencies are constantly engaged in the essential tasks required for meeting the internal security objectives of ensuring safety and security of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, its population, and all the critical infrastructures,” he said in his opening address, pledging, “Our government will not relent in this primary objective.” He affirmed that the priority of government is to ensure the security of lives and property of the citizenry, adding that all socio-economic activities in the country must continue to thrive without any hindrance from criminal elements and terrorists. Mr. Dan-Ali stated that the government would continue to acknowledge the sustained efforts of the various military, security and response agencies that in spite of all odds are constantly and significantly mitigating the challenges and consequences of violent eruptions and crisis across the country. He pledged continued support for all the agencies, particularly those battling an insurgency in the North East so that they can effectively deliver on their mandate. On crisis management, the minister tasked information officers of the various agencies to be patriotic and professional in the discharge of their duties. “You must bear in mind that our dear country is currently confronted with several challenges which demand every sense of professionalism in the way and manner information is to be managed. “You have the responsibility to manage sensitive information at your disposal with all sense of patriotism and to relate with media and the general public with the utmost sense of professionalism taking into cognizance the importance of our cherished national interest and national security,” he charged. The minister, who commended CCC for its contribution to national security, also charged other organizations to emulate such laudable initiative. Welcoming guests and participants, the Executive Secretary of CCC, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (Rtd) said the seminar was designed to assist information officers to effectively and efficiently engage the media to communicate responsibly with the public. He noted that the influence of the media in the society cannot be downplayed, necessitating the development of an efficient and effective cadre of Public Relations personnel to manage communication in a crisis situation. The seminar, he added, would also encourage synergy among security and response agencies through harmonisation of information. In that regard, he recalled that prior to the establishment of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSRA), the forebearer of CCC, there used to be conflicting information from the various agencies during crisis situations. He, however, conceded that there was still an urgent need to enhance greater communication with the public. CCC organized Tuesday’s event with support from Defence Headquarters and the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP). In a goodwill message, Programme Manager of NSRP, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, said NSRP was working in eight target states on conflict mitigation, particularly to reduce its effect on the vulnerable segment of the population. He congratulated the CCC for being able to host the seminar in spite of several challenges, adding that there will be a replication of the seminar in the North East and South-South zones of the country.]]>