Lagos NSCDC Commandant cautions journalists against sensational reports 

CITIZENS COMPASS – LAGOS State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Usman Alfadarai, has cautioned journalists against sensational reports saying this is detrimental to peace and unity of Nigeria. 

The Commandant said this yesterday, at the Command’s Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, during a courtesy visit by members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), led by its president, Mr. Samson Oki. 

He cautioned them against dwelling on stories simoly to attract traffic to their platforms, saying this can cause unrest difficult to control.

The Commandant, who assumed office in Lagos in February explained hat he, just as any public official needs the media to survive, regards the propagation of the lofty ideas and achievements in the field, it is also imperative that the media, which he described as a powerful go-between and tool in the making and dissemination of information, must apply caution, and not sensationalise events to ridicule or blow out of proportion.

Alfadarai heaped encomiums on the media particularly NAOSNP, acknowledging that the association has been a strong ally in the success stories of the NSCDC.

“It gives me joy to welcome you today, though events have not allowed us to earlier meet than now. I commend your efforts in the reportage of security stories that have showcased the law enforcement agencies in good light, especially placing the Corps in the front burner of core security operatives.

“I have heard of the support you gave my predecessors, and have seen in the last three months or so how you have consistently followed our programmes, and given our affairs prominence in the media space. We are grateful.

“However, I must mention that most media practitioners intentionally or unintentionally delve into the world of sensation. Beware of sensational stories for it does anyone no good. 

” Be as professional as possible, and remember that for all you do, national interest should be paramount,” he said.

Alfadarai wondered what good it would do anyone if the country burns because of his narrative, and pledged that as he remains the Commandant in Lagos, the synergy between NAOSNP and NSCDC will continue to be strong.

In his response, Oki informed the Commandant that the Association has over the years harboured men and women, whose integrity is not in doubt, and that explains why it is difficult to curry fake narratives. He praised the Commandant’s performing trajectory, and advised him to reciprocate the gesture in Lagos as the centre of excellence.

“We believe your coming to Lagos is a wonderful development, and the birth of more new exciting and wonderful form of policing of our national infrastructure. The job of the Corps has in no small measure added advantage to the security maintenance of the country, and we congratulate you, and to a larger extent the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, whose tenure has witnessed nothing but great feats. One cannot forget in a hurry the Special Female Squad that has become a toast in the world of security.

“As an association, we are equally happy to be part of these success stories, and vow to sustain the tempo as long as it is in the interest of national security. In doing this therefore, we seek your support in making information available, and on time,” Oki said.

Also in attendance at the meeting were Deputy Commandant Okon and Assistant Corps Commandant.

In the entourage of NAOSNP were the General Secretary, Theresa Moses, Public Relations Officer, Eric Elezuo, Treasurer, Bakenne Kazeem, Director of Photography,  Friday Etim, Femi Arikawe, Bose Adelaja and Adeola Shittu.

In appreciation, the Commandant presented a plaque to NAOSNP.

Caption:

NAOSNP President, Mr. Samson Oki presenting an award to the Commandant during the visit.