By Emmanuel Enebeli

In an eye-opening discussion, security stakeholders at the 5th Annual Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) have underscored the importance of unbiased media coverage and the urgent need for a rebirth of values in tackling Nigeria’s escalating insecurity.

The event, held on November 20, 2024, in Asaba, Delta State, brought together key figures from various sectors to explore local, implementable solutions to the nation’s security crisis.

The lecture, titled “Security Challenges: Finding a Local Implementable Solution,” featured prominent speakers, including the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, representatives from security agencies, and notable media professionals. The focus of the forum was to confront the rising security concerns in the country while offering practical and locally driven responses.

The Delta Governor, represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, said his administration is defining, devising, and instituting local implementable solutions to address issues of security in Delta state.

The Governor in the address said he was deploying all necessary resources, energies, collaborations, partnerships, stakeholders engagement, towards ensuring that Delta state remains peaceful and secured for all residents and investors.

He said: “As a government, the issue of security is one that is at the very core of this administration’s strategic focus and its great importance has been underscored by the fact that Enhanced Peace and Security is the fourth Component of our M.O.R.E Agenda, complimented by the other critical components of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All and Realistic Reforms, which collectively form the MORE Agenda.

“We are very conscious of the fact that Enhanced Peace and Security creates the right atmosphere for social and economic life and it is quite obvious that the other aspects of the development agenda cannot materialize without deliberate and sustained prevalence of peace and security.

“We have built and initiated mechanisms to detect early warning signals, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and conflict control. We have equally engaged with critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and women, amongst others, to maintain peace and resolve conflicts.

“This administration has created platforms to encourage and promote cultural interfaces between communities, established and maintained channels for policy and programmes feedback from the grassroots and stakeholders, especially through our town hall meetings, engaged our youths in productive and gainful employment through our social safety net schemes and initiatives to mitigate youth restiveness and collaborated robustly with all security agencies in the state, by providing logistics and operational support in the maintenance of law and order.”

To underscore the governor’s commitment to security, he said the state government donated 31 operational vehicles to the police and other security agencies to strengthen their efficiency and enhance the joint security operations “in our domain through our existing security special purpose vehicle, now code-named “Operation Delta Sweep.”

He said the donation was prompted by the general insecurity experienced in the country and as part of his administration’s commitment towards enhancing peace and security, the existing state joint security force formerly known as ‘Delta Hawk’ has now been rebranded to ‘Operation Delta Sweep,’.

According to the governor: “Our security agencies deserve commendation for their robust responses and action which have recorded significant successes in combating crimes such as illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and drug-related offences, and the rebranding of the joint security force reflects this administration’s resolve to embrace our own indigenous, pragmatic strategies to reduce crime to its barest minimum.”

Governor Oborevwori said his administration “remains committed to providing the necessary support to ensure peace and security in Delta State and with the measures we have put in place so far, we are confident that our people will enjoy a secure and peaceful state going forward.”

He commended members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, saying they “have remained reliable partners in progress, not only in reporting and promoting the MORE Agenda of this administration, comprehensively but for also embarking on this annual intellectual discourse which has continued to interrogate and expand the frontiers of our national conversation on salient and germane issues.”

“We give kudos to DOPF for the courage and commitment to conceptualize and deliver a quality event of this nature and assure you that this administration remains irrevocably committed to openness and transparency in the business of governance.

“We see the press, particularly the online newspapers practitioners, as partners in development and we are committed to providing the conducive and enabling environment for them to continue to discharge their journalistic duties and responsibilities in the collective interest and well-being of our people.

“The only thing we desire is that journalists and owners of media establishments should please fact-check their information with relevant government officials before publication for accuracy, fairness, and balance, in line with the ethics of the profession.

“They should not resort to blackmail or the very disturbing penchant of media trials, persecution, cyber bullying and premature judgements against anybody or institution, until the the proper agencies and courts of law have investigated, deliberated and pronounced on such situations.

“The media has a powerful social and cultural impact on the society and thus, it should reflect and project the positive image of the society, especially in this day and age of new media, so it is equally imperative for media entrepreneurs and practitioners to embrace the dissemination of news and information that will promote national unity and harmony as a major priority.”

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPRO), who was the Guest Speaker, called on journalists to steer clear of involvement in cybercrimes, such as fraud, fake news, and misinformation.

He noted that young Nigerians, often highly skilled in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), are frequently misusing their expertise for criminal activities, making it increasingly difficult for security forces to maintain order.

“The Nigerian government is actively fighting these issues, with President Tinubu having ordered a clampdown on cybercriminals,” Adejobi said, stressing the importance of collective efforts to combat cybercrime. He also warned against “paid journalism,” condemning journalists who accept money for stories, which he argued undermines public trust and the ethical standards of the profession.

Further, ACP Adejobi advocated for a community-driven approach to policing, stressing the need for traditional leaders and local institutions to play an active role in formal security efforts. “Until we adopt collective policing, we can’t get it right. Involving traditional rulers in security initiatives can significantly contribute to peace,” he said.

He also cautioned journalists to be wary of unverified reports, particularly on social media, where the spread of misinformation is rampant.

The event also featured remarks from Mr. Emma Ogidi, the Chairman of the occasion, who called for greater engagement with local vigilante groups to address security challenges. He stressed the importance of accurate and balanced reporting, particularly in political matters.

In his opening remarks, Emmanuel Enebeli, Chairman, DOPF, stated that the theme was chosen because of the shared and collective concern of the people on the security challenges in the country.

“Today’s lecture strongly underlines our professional obligation and social responsibility as Delta Online Publishers Forum.

“It is not only to report on these challenges but to also actively seek solutions that contribute to the safety and security of our society.

“The need for a security solution is urgent, as the threat touches every corner of our nation from our cities to the smallest community,” Enebeli said.

The discussions at the DOPF Annual Lecture Series highlighted the urgent need for a unified front in combating insecurity in Nigeria. Through responsible journalism, community engagement, and cooperation with security forces, the country can hope to achieve a safer and more secure future.

At the panel discussion, experts such as Professor Odikasieme Emmanus Nonye, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN) in Delta State; Bridget Dominion Foh Affiah, Executive Director of the Ideal Women Advancement Initiative; Amb (Pst.) Edewor Egedegbe, Founding Executive Director of VREL; and Mr. Odita Sunday-Udememaguna, Head of Defence/Security Affairs at The Guardian Newspaper, with Professor Kemi Emina, as the Moderator, emphasised the importance of value rebirth. They agreed that the process should begin at the family level and extend to other levels of the nation.

(C) New Media Office.

Stakeholders Call for Unbiased Media Coverage and Value Rebirth to Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges

By Emmanuel Enebeli

In an eye-opening discussion, security stakeholders at the 5th Annual Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) have underscored the importance of unbiased media coverage and the urgent need for a rebirth of values in tackling Nigeria’s escalating insecurity.

The event, held on November 20, 2024, in Asaba, Delta State, brought together key figures from various sectors to explore local, implementable solutions to the nation’s security crisis.

The lecture, titled “Security Challenges: Finding a Local Implementable Solution,” featured prominent speakers, including the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, representatives from security agencies, and notable media professionals. The focus of the forum was to confront the rising security concerns in the country while offering practical and locally driven responses.

The Delta Governor, represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, said his administration is defining, devising, and instituting local implementable solutions to address issues of security in Delta state.

The Governor in the address said he was deploying all necessary resources, energies, collaborations, partnerships, stakeholders engagement, towards ensuring that Delta state remains peaceful and secured for all residents and investors.

He said: “As a government, the issue of security is one that is at the very core of this administration’s strategic focus and its great importance has been underscored by the fact that Enhanced Peace and Security is the fourth Component of our M.O.R.E Agenda, complimented by the other critical components of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All and Realistic Reforms, which collectively form the MORE Agenda.

“We are very conscious of the fact that Enhanced Peace and Security creates the right atmosphere for social and economic life and it is quite obvious that the other aspects of the development agenda cannot materialize without deliberate and sustained prevalence of peace and security.

“We have built and initiated mechanisms to detect early warning signals, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and conflict control. We have equally engaged with critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and women, amongst others, to maintain peace and resolve conflicts.

“This administration has created platforms to encourage and promote cultural interfaces between communities, established and maintained channels for policy and programmes feedback from the grassroots and stakeholders, especially through our town hall meetings, engaged our youths in productive and gainful employment through our social safety net schemes and initiatives to mitigate youth restiveness and collaborated robustly with all security agencies in the state, by providing logistics and operational support in the maintenance of law and order.”

To underscore the governor’s commitment to security, he said the state government donated 31 operational vehicles to the police and other security agencies to strengthen their efficiency and enhance the joint security operations “in our domain through our existing security special purpose vehicle, now code-named “Operation Delta Sweep.”

He said the donation was prompted by the general insecurity experienced in the country and as part of his administration’s commitment towards enhancing peace and security, the existing state joint security force formerly known as ‘Delta Hawk’ has now been rebranded to ‘Operation Delta Sweep,’.

According to the governor: “Our security agencies deserve commendation for their robust responses and action which have recorded significant successes in combating crimes such as illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and drug-related offences, and the rebranding of the joint security force reflects this administration’s resolve to embrace our own indigenous, pragmatic strategies to reduce crime to its barest minimum.”

Governor Oborevwori said his administration “remains committed to providing the necessary support to ensure peace and security in Delta State and with the measures we have put in place so far, we are confident that our people will enjoy a secure and peaceful state going forward.”

He commended members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, saying they “have remained reliable partners in progress, not only in reporting and promoting the MORE Agenda of this administration, comprehensively but for also embarking on this annual intellectual discourse which has continued to interrogate and expand the frontiers of our national conversation on salient and germane issues.”

“We give kudos to DOPF for the courage and commitment to conceptualize and deliver a quality event of this nature and assure you that this administration remains irrevocably committed to openness and transparency in the business of governance.

“We see the press, particularly the online newspapers practitioners, as partners in development and we are committed to providing the conducive and enabling environment for them to continue to discharge their journalistic duties and responsibilities in the collective interest and well-being of our people.

“The only thing we desire is that journalists and owners of media establishments should please fact-check their information with relevant government officials before publication for accuracy, fairness, and balance, in line with the ethics of the profession.

“They should not resort to blackmail or the very disturbing penchant of media trials, persecution, cyber bullying and premature judgements against anybody or institution, until the the proper agencies and courts of law have investigated, deliberated and pronounced on such situations.

“The media has a powerful social and cultural impact on the society and thus, it should reflect and project the positive image of the society, especially in this day and age of new media, so it is equally imperative for media entrepreneurs and practitioners to embrace the dissemination of news and information that will promote national unity and harmony as a major priority.”

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPRO), who was the Guest Speaker, called on journalists to steer clear of involvement in cybercrimes, such as fraud, fake news, and misinformation.

He noted that young Nigerians, often highly skilled in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), are frequently misusing their expertise for criminal activities, making it increasingly difficult for security forces to maintain order.

“The Nigerian government is actively fighting these issues, with President Tinubu having ordered a clampdown on cybercriminals,” Adejobi said, stressing the importance of collective efforts to combat cybercrime. He also warned against “paid journalism,” condemning journalists who accept money for stories, which he argued undermines public trust and the ethical standards of the profession.

Further, ACP Adejobi advocated for a community-driven approach to policing, stressing the need for traditional leaders and local institutions to play an active role in formal security efforts. “Until we adopt collective policing, we can’t get it right. Involving traditional rulers in security initiatives can significantly contribute to peace,” he said.

He also cautioned journalists to be wary of unverified reports, particularly on social media, where the spread of misinformation is rampant.

The event also featured remarks from Mr. Emma Ogidi, the Chairman of the occasion, who called for greater engagement with local vigilante groups to address security challenges. He stressed the importance of accurate and balanced reporting, particularly in political matters.

In his opening remarks, Emmanuel Enebeli, Chairman, DOPF, stated that the theme was chosen because of the shared and collective concern of the people on the security challenges in the country.

“Today’s lecture strongly underlines our professional obligation and social responsibility as Delta Online Publishers Forum.

“It is not only to report on these challenges but to also actively seek solutions that contribute to the safety and security of our society.

“The need for a security solution is urgent, as the threat touches every corner of our nation from our cities to the smallest community,” Enebeli said.

The discussions at the DOPF Annual Lecture Series highlighted the urgent need for a unified front in combating insecurity in Nigeria. Through responsible journalism, community engagement, and cooperation with security forces, the country can hope to achieve a safer and more secure future.

At the panel discussion, experts such as Professor Odikasieme Emmanus Nonye, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN) in Delta State; Bridget Dominion Foh Affiah, Executive Director of the Ideal Women Advancement Initiative; Amb (Pst.) Edewor Egedegbe, Founding Executive Director of VREL; and Mr. Odita Sunday-Udememaguna, Head of Defence/Security Affairs at The Guardian Newspaper, with Professor Kemi Emina, as the Moderator, emphasised the importance of value rebirth. They agreed that the process should begin at the family level and extend to other levels of the nation.

(C) New Media Office.