OSIWA holds seminar on mass media and the Intersection Between National Security and the Civic Space

MEDIA Advisory 

Seminar on Mass Media and the Intersection Between National Security and the Civic Space

WHAT:

The Whiteink Institute for Strategy Education and Research (WISER) with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), is hosting a webinar on the role of the media within the intersection of both national security and civic space. This webinar is an activity which is part of OSIWA’s grant to fund The Institute’s research into the crucial relationship between state security institutions and civil society in Nigeria. 

The event brings together state actors, civil society organisations, members of the press and society at large to expand the knowledge and understanding of the rights, privileges and responsibilities of each in sustaining a free press.  It will also seek to guide and provide improved communication and partnerships between state agents and the mass media in Nigeria. 

WHEN: 

Thursday, April 15th 2021 at 11.00 am (West African Time)

WHERE:

Zoom. 

Interested attendees can register via: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WdBUtNilQoSLNBnEn8hUPA 

WHO:

A roundtable panel discussion will take place with attendees listening in and engaging via questions and contributions. Panellists include: 

• Honourable Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje – Former Member, Federal House of Representatives and Chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Relations (Moderator).
• Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (Rtd) – Former Chief of Staff Nigerian Army and former Minister of Interior (Keynote Address).
• Mr Cheta Nwanze – Lead Partner SBM Intelligence.
• Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd) – Former Director, Public Relations of the Nigerian Army and MD/CEO Mahangi Communication Services.
• Brigadier General Saleh Bala (Rtd) – President and Founder WISER.
• Members of the press

WHY:

The general purpose of the webinar is to highlight the importance of collaborations between state institutions and the mass media in Nigeria. This is to ensure the peace and stability of the nation alongside a thriving and liberal civic space. It will also seek to provide answers to key questions including: 

• What is the nature of the relationship between the mass media and the Nigerian State?
• What is national security and the roles and effect of the free press in protecting and sustaining it?
• Is a free press complementary or inimical to national security, and what are their conditions and manifestations?
• Should the level of capacity of government to provide security be a precondition to the extent of permissible freedom of the press?
• What are the perspectives of the mass media community on ethics and nationalism?
• How does the state understand & agree with the oversight roles of the mass media in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance?
• What is the extent of the knowledge, penetration and understanding of the Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria?
• How can the relationship between the state and the mass media be projected to ensure a more liberal civic space that is supportive of the promotion of effective national security?

Media Inquiries:

Peter Akinnnusi ([email protected]) – Chioma Chuka Consulting Services Limited

Diana Gideon Nde ([email protected]) – Whiteink Institute for Strategy Education and Research (WISER)