The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts, the Police School of Public Relations, and the Institute of Conflict Management and Negotiation Analysts, has organized a three-day workshop focused on enhancing security communication through digital tools.
Themed “Effective Security Communication: Leveraging Digital Tools for De-escalation of Insecurity in Plateau State,” the workshop is scheduled to run from March 25 to 27, 2025. The initiative aims to tackle security challenges by promoting responsible digital media use.
Emmanuel Ojukwu MI, a retired commissioner of Police and Provost of the Police Public Relations School in Abuja while addressing Journalists on Monday in Jos ahead of the workshop said it will serve as the first in a series of similar workshops and stakeholder meetings planned across various states in the country.
“Plateau was chosen due to its reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” and the goal is to foster peace and promote development throughout the state.
The workshop according to him will bring together key stakeholders from various sectors. Security personnel, government workers, representatives from the private sector, NGOs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups.
Ojukwo emphasized the need for effective communication, particularly through social media, which has become a powerful tool for communication worldwide.
He warned of the dangers posed by fake news and misinformation, which can escalate insecurity and destabilize regions.
Ojukwu stressed that a single piece of false news could have catastrophic consequences, as evidenced by previous incidents in Plateau, such as the spread of false information about Ebola cures and fake reports of bus accidents, which led to panic and fatalities.
The retired CP also acknowledged the potential of social media as a positive force for change, emphasizing that it can be used to spread peace and stability when managed responsibly.
However, he called for a change in how Nigerians perceive and use digital platforms, urging participants to adopt a more responsible approach to social media communication to ensure the nation’s progress.
He reaffirmed that the workshop was a step toward promoting peace and stability not only in Plateau State but also across other parts of Nigeria, fostering a more informed and peaceful society through responsible digital communication.
