Top diplomats and security stakeholders have been urged to strategically engage the media in shaping their country’s policies and programmes to combat global security challenges and misinformation.
The call was made by Mr. Idehai Frederick, Chairman of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), at the association’s maiden diplomatic and security international conference in Abuja, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
Mr. Idehai emphasised the importance of collaboration between diplomatic correspondents and the diplomatic corps in addressing the global trend of disinformation and misinformation.
“Strategic collaboration between Diplomatic Correspondents and the members of the Diplomatic Corps would go a long way in stemming the global trend of Disinformation and Misinformation,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff, represented by Rear Admiral IM Haruna, also highlighted the need for journalists and diplomats to work together to address global security challenges. “The Nigerian Armed Forces is working tirelessly towards addressing transborder crimes and other multidimensional security threats,” he said, adding that “journalists and Diplomats should be deliberate in their collaboration towards addressing the challenges of global security.”
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by Mr. Abdulrahman Balogun, urged DICAN to work closely with NIDCOM to educate Nigerians on the commission’s mandate and combat disinformation. “The National diaspora policy is accessible to guide everyone on our website,” he said, clarifying that NIDCOM’s role is distinct and should not be misconstrued.
The Inspector General of Police, represented by DCP Kabiru Abdullahi, emphasised the importance of credible journalism guided by professionalism. “Disinformation and fake news are crimes that should be of concern to all,” he said, stressing the need for accurate and responsible reporting.
The conference, themed “Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy Strategy Amidst Global Security Challenges, Strategic Misperceptions and the Age of Disinformation: The Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence and Media in Shaping National and Global Stability,” brought together stakeholders to discuss the critical role of diplomacy, intelligence, and media in shaping national and global stability.