By Hosea Parah
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olusola Odumosu, has called on Nigerians to practise responsible communication.
Speaking on the sidelines of a public awareness Road Show on Saturday in Abuja, Odumosu warned that fake news and inflammatory posts on social media exacerbate insecurity across the country.
He cautioned that spreading unverified media content harms Nigeria’s national image and endangers lives.
“In combating insecurity, it is very germane that we create this awareness because there is so much misinformation, miscommunication, and various forms of propaganda that are not good for our collective well-being,” Odumosu stated.
The commandant highlighted the growing trend of individuals recirculating outdated footage to incite panic.
“Somebody will just wake up, bring a 20-year-old video about a past crisis, and claim it is happening right now in a particular state. Such irresponsible communication can heat the polity.
“Our people don’t go to the extent of verifying information; they jump to conclusions, which often results in attacks on innocent citizens,” he said.
Odumosu urged citizens to exercise restraint before sharing posts online, particularly in light of the rapid spread of viral content on social media platforms.
He explained that the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), led by its chairman, Stanley Ogadigo, organised the sensitisation walk to build public awareness ahead of the upcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).
Odumosu said the walk was intended to amplify positive messaging and encourage factual information dissemination nationwide.
The walk began at the Zoological Garden in Area 1 and ended at Radio House in Garki Area 8.