The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, has tasked participants of Course 34/2025 at the National Defence College (NDC) to embrace responsible media engagement as a strategic tool for effective crisis management and national security.
Ndace gave the charge while delivering a lecture at the National Defence College, Abuja, on Monday, July 6, 2026, on the topic, “Public Opinion and the Media in Crisis Management in Nigeria: My Experience.”
During his presentation, the VON Director General emphasised the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion during periods of crisis, stressed that timely, accurate and responsible communication is essential to sustaining public confidence and ensuring effective crisis response.
He urged the participants to recognise the media as an indispensable partner in promoting national security, building public trust and supporting government efforts in crisis management through constructive engagement and transparent communication.
According to Ndace, strategic communication remains a vital component of successful crisis management, noting that public perception can significantly influence the outcome of security and emergency situations.
The lecture also featured presentations by distinguished personalities, including Brigadier General S. K. Usman (Rtd), former military spokesperson; veteran broadcaster ,Cyril Stober; and Associate Professor Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, whose contributions enriched discussions on the relationship between the media, public opinion and national security.
Ndace expressed profound appreciation to the 22nd Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, for the invitation, warm hospitality and opportunity to engage with participants of Course 34/2025, describing the experience as a privilege.
He also commended members of the faculty, participants and staff of the National Defence College for their excellent coordination and constructive engagement, expressed confidence that the lessons from the lecture would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s crisis communication framework and national security efforts.
