By Justina Auta

Some stakeholders have tasked female journalists to demystify security operations, amplify causes of conflict and community-based solutions that will promote national peace and stability in Nigeria.

They made the call at the inaugural conference on “Curbing Insecurity: The role of Female Journalists in National Security” organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone D on Thursday in Abuja.

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for FCT, highlighted the critical role women journalists play in ensuring peace and security at the home front and the nation at large.

“As women, professionals and storytellers, you hold a unique position in shaping narratives, amplifying the voices of the vulnerable, and fostering national unity.

“You are often the voice for the voiceless and a beacon of hope in communities affected by violence,” she said.

She also addressed the challenges female journalists face, ranging from safety risks and gender-based harassment to limited representation in decision-making platforms.

“Let this conference be a rallying call to address those challenges through policy reforms, training, advocacy and a united front,” she said.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, urged female journalists to be intentional agents of change and amplify the voices of the marginalised, and promote national unity.

Represented by Mrs Jummai Idonije, her Special Assistant on Women and Community Engagement, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described female journalists ss narrators of society’s struggles and triumphs.

“You occupy a strategic position; not only to inform, but to inspire and mobilise.

“Your voices can challenge violence, counter misinformation and promote peace. In the face of rising threats, your lens can reveal solutions and your platforms can foster healing,” she said.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stressed the need for collaboration to tackle evolving threats from banditry to kidnapping, cybercrime and other forms of criminality confronting the country.

Adejobi was represented by Onne Ikwen, Strategic Communication Officer, Force Public Relations Department.

He said as storytellers, investigators, and public educators, female journalists carried a powerful voice that reached deep into homes and communities.

“Your unique perspectives, shaped by empathy, experience, and resilience, allows you to uncover stories that may otherwise remain in the shadows.

“Through responsible reporting, you can help demystify security operations, highlight the root causes of conflict and amplify community-based solutions that promote peace and stability,” he said.

He, therefore, urged media practitioners to shape perceptions, influence policy and use their platforms to break harmful narratives by promoting stories of resilience, unity and progress that strengthen the nation.

Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, Vice President, NAWOJ Zone D, stressed the need for female journalists to be the vanguard of change and hold critical stakeholders accountable and ensure that they discharge their duties effectively.

Ogbeche said that the North-Central comprising Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and the FCT had serious security challenges.

“This brings to fore what role the female journalists can play in mitigating the situation and contributing to de-escalating the troubled situation.

“I dare to say that women journalists contribute not only to media coverage but also shaping the narrative,  promoting transparency and addressing policy in the national media,” she said.

She called for collaboration with CSOs and the academia in fostering partnerships to improve reporting depth and accuracy.

Other activities at the event included panel discussions, conferment of awards to Mrs Ese Eniola-Williams, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and others for their contributions and commitment to the association. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kadiri Abdulrahman