....As Journalists holds national convention on combating crisis in North-Central Nigeria


From Daniel Dauda, Jos


Plateau State Governor, Barr.Caleb Mutfwang have tasked Journalists to always upholding the principles of objectivity and fairness in course of performing their constitutional responsibilities.

Governor Mutfwang believed Journalists as custodians of truth and agents of change wield immense influence in shaping the developmental narrative of Nigeria, particularly during these trying times marked by economic challenges, insecurity and criminal activities.

The Governor made the clarion called Wednesday in Jos, while declared open a one day National convention/retreat on Civil society/Military partnership in mitigating crisis in North-central Nigeria, champion by the Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF).

Represented by the permanent secretary ministry of information, Soho Aliyu acknowledged that the retreat will go a long in fostering cooperation between the civilian population and the military.

"This noble initiative holds the promise of rejuvenating hope within our  communities, empowering our people to rally behind governmental initiatives geared towards growth and development. I implored you to uphold the principles of objectivity and fairness, in adherence to the ethical standards of your profession, as you endeavor to reshape our narrative for the better.

"The tragic loss of innocent lives on the Plateau and across Nigeria is both intolerable and detrimental to our development aspirations. As a government, we are committed to fostering robust collaborations with Human Rights Activists,public opinion leaders, and other reputable organizations dedicated to peace and unity."

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, represented by Brig. Gen. Michael Agi, said the retreat is coming at the time when misinformation about their operations are undermining their strong determination to end terrorism and banditry.

"Let me use this opportunity to assure Nigerians of the neutrality of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in dealing with ugly challenges facing the Nation generally and middle belt in particular.

"I have listened to some of your complaints and we will address squarely some including the perceptions of our host communities with practical and workable disciplinary options to ensure that both the affected communities, the military and indeed, the reporting Journalists have the security of the people at the center", he mentioned.

Shedding his thoughts on the topic, " Civil-Military partnership: a key to middle belt ", the keynote speaker, Prof. Sampson Terwase admitted that strengthen cooperation and relationship between the military and civilian population is very key in achieving maximum security.

Prof. Terwase, held from National Defence College, Abuja stated that the military stand to benefit significantly while cooperating with civilians through the provisions of basic social essential services. And civilians on the other hand should always furnished the military with timely information to address rising crimes and criminality.

A veteran Journalist and former general manager of Nigeria Standard Newspaper, Jonathan Ishaku said the effects of fake news and social media had done a lot of harm  than good in the society.

He charged Journalists to adopt media literacy fact checking, content verification method in dealing with the menace of fake news which in turn can lead to its deescalation.

The out gone president of Middle Belt Journalists Forum, Jonathan Ipaa revealed the idea of the forum which have came to lane line in 2011, is to served as a voice to the various nationalities in the region.

He said the middle belt people are highly productive and industrious but majority of its population were chased away from their ancestral lands by the terrorists.

The retreat also heralded with  confirmation of awards by members of the forum to some personalities who distinguished themselves in their various field of endeavors. Among the awardees are; Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, former Nigeria Senate president David Mark, Dangote group, former minister of youth and sports development, Solomon Dalung, former Director General/chief executive, Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Sir Joseph Ari as well as the immediate past executive secretary, National Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam.

Meanwhile, new executive were inaugurated to steer the affairs of the forum.