By Bavoriat Clara
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Information Chapel, has organized a capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of Information and Public Relations Officers across Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in addressing contemporary security communication challenges.
In a statement issued by the Chief Information Officer of the NCTC, Wofai Paul Ikpi, the one-day workshop, held at the NCTC Headquarters in Abuja, was themed “Empowering the Messenger: Innovative Approaches to Public Information in the Face of Security Challenges.” The training focused on the critical role of government information managers in navigating the rapidly changing communication landscape, particularly in matters relating to national security.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chinasa Nnam Ogbodo, commended the NCTC for its dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace and stability. He stressed that timely, factual, and relevant information is crucial in building public trust and fostering unity.
He urged information officers to uphold national values and accurately project Nigeria’s image, while pledging the Ministry’s continued collaboration with security agencies in combating misinformation and hate speech.
In his welcome remarks, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, emphasized the responsibility of public information officers in shaping narratives, influencing public perception, and strengthening national cohesion in the face of digital disruption and complex security threats.
He noted that the workshop was designed to provide participants with innovative tools, global best practices, and deeper insight into modern communication strategies for countering extremist ideologies and misinformation.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by key media leaders. The Director-General/CEO of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, mnipr, underscored the importance of winning the “battle for hearts and minds” as a pillar of national stability. The Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Salihu Dembos represented by Hajia Alima Musa highlighted the need for trust-building and factual reporting in counter-terrorism operations. Similarly, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu represented by the Director of Communication and Media, Mr. Bala Musa reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to sustaining impactful national information strategies in partnership with the NCTC.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon, fnipr, acknowledged the contributions of retired Major General Chris Olukolade and expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister, the NCTC, and all partners. He appealed for regular training programs to further strengthen the professional capacity of members of the NUJ Federal Information Chapel.
The workshop featured expert-led sessions, interactive discussions, and practical exercises covering public relations, crisis communication, and responsible media engagement. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participants.
admin