The role of the media in stemming the tide of insecurity in Nigeria was on the front burner at the maiden empowerment series of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, ACSPN, Anambra State Chapter.
The event held at Godwin Ezemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat, Awka attracted personalities from all walks of life who interacted with media scholars and practitioners to seek for meaningful solutions to ending insecurity challenge facing Nigeria today, from the media perspective.
The former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi who chaired the occasion observed that the media should work in synergy with other critical stakeholders in fighting the scourge of insecurity in Nigeria, pointing out that abiding by the ethics of media practice is key to stemming the tide of insecurity and entrenching a stable society.
Delivering a lecture on the theme of the event, the Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, Sir Paul Nwosu applauded the media for sensitizing the public on the various security challenges in the country.
He decried irresponsible use of the social media by some journalists, stressing the need for regulations in controlling those who post content that could destabilize the society as one way of stemming the tide of insecurity in Nigeria.
The National President, ACSPN, Prof Umaru Pate, represented by the Vice President Southeast, Prof Ifeyinwa Nsude, described ACSPN as an umbrella body for communication scholars and Professionals to synergize in improving and expanding the learning and practice of communication in Nigeria, noting that the media needs all hands on deck in tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Charles Esimone, represented by Prof Harry Obi-Nwosu observed that people-centric approach in fighting insecurity and insurgency is communication oriented, hence a huge investment in communication is necessary to achieve success in fighting the hydra headed problem of insecurity in Nigeria.
Earlier, the State Chairperson of ACSPN, Mrs Ify Obi stressed that insecurity has become a stumbling block in moving Nigeria forward, hence the need to brainstorm on how to stem the ugly trend.
The event was graced by eminent scholars from the Southeast, media managers and practitioners, including the first female professor of Mass Communication in Sub-saharan Africa, Prof. Stella Okunna; the former Commissioner for Basic Education, Anambra State, Prof. Kate Omenugha.
Others are the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comr. Don Onyenji; the State Chairman of APGA, Sir Nobert Obi, represented by Hon. Emmanuel Adibe; the MD/CEO of ABS, Chief Chido Obidiegwu and the MD, National Light Newspaper, Chief Chuka Nbabuife, among others.
Rpt/ Njide Ezeonyejiaku
