From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has said effective communication among stakeholders would strengthen the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
This, she said at a 2- day communications consultative forum themed: ‘Building Effective Communication Strategies and Competencies through Partnerships in the Humanitarian Space’, yesterday in Abuja.
Umar Farouq noted that the event was organised to chart a a new course towards effective reportage of humanitarian interventions especially in rural communities.
She stressed that humanitarian crisis and other social issues were complex in nature and therefore required adoption of coherent, cohesive and coordinated approach to tackle communication complexities.
“In view of the important nature of the mandate of the Ministry as the arm of government that is directly involved in the socio-economic well- being of millions of Nigerians, the need to continually deploy effective communication strategies and scale such engagements cannot be overemphasized.
“This will ensure that the impact of the Ministry’s interventions in the lives of those who receive them are properly projected and communicated through consistent interface and connection with Nigerians.
“It also provides opportunity for feedback that is valuable in improving the programmes and interventions.
“It is with a view to improve communications to ensure better understanding of the Ministry and its mandate that this Consultative Forum is being organized.
“The Communication Strategy to be developed is not intended to duplicate or replace any Partner/Stakeholders existing communication, media or advocacy activities or tamper with their brand identity.
“Rather it will identify strategic ways that joint communications can help each to achieve their vision and the community achieve their collective vision and goals,” she said.
The Minister praised the media for playing a critical role in communicating programmes, interventions and activities of the ministry.
Welcoming the participants, the Permanent Secretary Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, pointed out that effective communications will ensure that the tremendous work being done by the Ministry get to the public.
Represented by the Director, Legal Department, Garba Haganawega, he said: “The vision to set up a communication strategy is to improve the communication of programmes and interventions of the ministry.
“This also includes the role of partners and stakeholders in executing the goals and objectives of providing immediate relief and durable solutions for those affected by humanitarian crisis.”
In his paper presentation titled ‘Counter Insurgency Operations; The Utility of Strategic Communications as a Non- Kinetic Approach’, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Muna Yusuf, urged journalists to downplay activities of insurgents by not giving them the platform to air their views
He added that, “the mandate of the military anywhere there is conflict, is to facilitate the work of the humanitarian community.
“We are also mandated to create a conducive atmosphere to enable the humanitarian community to do their job which also makes it easy for us to do our job.”