Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that a crisis communication centre that provides information countering violent extremist ideology especially in the North-East is to be set up by the federal government
A statement issued yesterday by Senior Special Adviser to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande said Osinbajo gave the hint while receiving the US Special Envoy on Counter Terrorism Communication, Rashad Hussain, at the Presidential Villa.
He noted that it was critical to define and disseminate positive narratives that expose the evil of terrorism, asserting the ultimate victory of good over evil.
Osinbajo said it would have been understandable if the campaign of the terrorists preaches better life, equity and such other lofty ideas, stressing that when the narratives of the insurgents have no such hope, it was intriguing that the message gains any currency.
He disclosed that government would put up a campaign involving civil societies, young people and non-governmental organizations coming together and interacting to provide positive counter narratives against those of violent groups like Boko Haram.
Earlier, Hussain said based on the American experience and happenings in other parts of the world, Boko Haram has a strong propaganda in the media that has to be countered.
He observed that majority of the people have already rejected Boko Haram but the voices of the minority was being played and re-played in the media causing content imbalance.
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Meanwhile, Department of State Service, DSS, has commissioned 385 officers to face the security challenges in the country.
Speaking in Lagos when State Services Academy commissioned the officers, Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin said the country relies on active participation of stakeholders to provide intelligence on a whole range of internal security threats confronting the society.
According to him, there is need for synergy efforts with other security agencies to confront activities of Boko Haram Terrorists, armed banditry, kidnapping and militancy of various forms.
He enjoined them to work assiduously at this critical period of security challenges when all hands are on deck to exterminate terrorism from Nigeria.
Olonisakin, who noted that there is symbolic relationship between the Department of State Services and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, said security order has become more complex especially with the growing impact of non-state actors in international politics, terrorism and insurgency.
The Director General, State Services, Lawal Daura, said the security service requires new blood and vigour to tackle the current security challenges.
Daura, who said that 74 Cadets were unable to graduate, cautioned that recruitment into the service will henceforth be based strictly on the extant guidelines in respect of qualifications and other conditions.
He added that a situation whereby misfits or non-eligible candidates find their way into the service will no longer be allowed.
“Recruitment will be strictly in accordance to future needs of the service and other compelling exigencies that may come up from time to time.” he said.
