Niger State Government has re-assured that issues and challenges associated with security information management will be looked into, saying effective management of information enables swift decision-making, proactive actions, as well as enhanced community preparedness.

The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Muhammad Bello Abdullahi, gave the assurance during a pre-summit media chat and roundtable discussion with media practitioners from various media outfits held in Minna.

Bello Abdullahi, who described journalists as the most dependable ally in the security architecture of the state, noted that they are expected to play key roles in passing information to the public.

Abdullahi, who highlighted the overview of the forthcoming Peace and Security Summit in the state, said the theme of the event, “Collaborative approaches to security and peace building with a view to safeguarding Niger State,” is aimed at engaging critical stakeholders in the security architecture at local, state, and federal levels in order to proffer workable solutions to the security challenges confronting the state.

Bello used the opportunity to advise journalists not to engage in divulging news that will put people in panic mode, promising that the state government will continue to work closely with journalists and address challenges so as to forge ahead in achieving the objectives of a new Niger.

“In Bello’s words: I am appealing to journalists to always ensure that you share accurate information, as you are critical stakeholders in maintaining peace in the land,” he begged.

From his part, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Bologi Ibrahim, represented by the Coordinator, Media Affairs to the Governor, Hamza Waziri, hinted that Governor Umaru Bago is poised, working to ensure peace, progress, and development across the state, which requires the cooperation of journalists.

Earlier, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, explained that journalists in the state have always worked in accordance with the ethics of the profession and will continue to tow that path and remain advocates of peace in the society.

Also speaking, a Director with the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute of Peace and Sustainable Development Studies, Dr. Diamond Preye, described the decision to organize a peace summit by the Niger State Government as apt, pointing out that without peace, there cannot be meaningful development in any society, hence the need for everyone to be advocates of peace.