Media, Security Analysts Crucial To Military Operations – DG VON
Abdul Mohammed Isa, Abuja.
Dec 10 2023
Voice of Nigeria’s (VON) Director General, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, has said that security analysts and the media play a crucial role in reshaping the public perception of military operations nationwide.
The DG VON, a one-time defence correspondent, pointed this out while delivering an address at the 5th edition of the Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja on Thursday.
The 2023 Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) recognized outstanding gallantry, contributions to safety, security, and emergency management in Nigeria. It was held alongside the 3rd Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA), which recognized the most outstanding public relations campaigns and communication strategies by professionals, groups, and institutions.
Ndace, who represented the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, at the event, commended the Nigerian Military’s dedication and success amid the security challenges bedevilling the country.
He further encouraged the Nigerian Military and other security agencies to leverage the Voice of Nigeria’s diverse language services to shape public perception of the military among the various ethnic groups in the country.
Expanding VON’s Outreach
The DG hinted that there plans to expand the outreach of VON by broadcasting in Mandarin, Bahasa, and Portuguese languages to enhance its global reach.
Mallam Ndace also commended PR Nigeria and Image Merchants for sustaining the organization of SAEMA Awards over the years.
During the event, Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), inaugurated two committees for the upcoming Nigerian National Spokespersons’ Awards (NNSA) in March 2024.
The six-member coordinating committee is to be chaired by Segun McMedal, with Comptroller Joseph Attah, Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, Saad Shuaib, Mrs Ekalome Udo, and Mr Stanley Ogadigwu as members.
While the jurist committee is to be chaired by Prof. Mabel Aworihoma, Prof. Anthony Igwefe, Dr. Matins Akinam, Dr. Saudat Abdulbaki, Mr Kabir Abdulsalam, and Mr Ishola Ayodele will serve as members.
Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulraheem will serve on the committee as secretary.
