Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Centre for Crisis Communication has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation as Nigeria confronts the growing complexities of crisis messaging in the digital age.
Chris Olukolade (rtd) led the delegation of the centre when it paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry on Wednesday, where discussions focused on institutional cooperation and strategic communication reforms.
In his remarks during the engagement, Olukolade expressed appreciation to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for his support toward the Centre’s National Symposium on Crisis Communication held in November 2025.
He stated that the Minister’s encouragement lent credibility and national visibility to the event.
Olukolade further stated that the symposium brought together spokespersons, security experts, technology professionals, scholars, and media practitioners from across the country. He said the diversity of participants enriched deliberations and produced outcomes grounded in Nigeria’s current security and communication realities.
He also noted that the gathering developed an actionable framework designed to strengthen crisis communication systems amid rapid digital transformation.
Olukolade warned that the accelerating influence of social media and artificial intelligence requires Nigeria and other African nations to act proactively in shaping responsible information governance.
In his response, Minister Mohammed Idris commended the retired general for his continued contributions to public relations and crisis communication beyond military service. He described Olukolade as a committed professional whose post-retirement initiatives continue to advance constructive national dialogue.
The Minister acknowledged the Centre’s support for the Ministry’s mandate of promoting responsible information management and national orientation. Although he was unable to attend the November symposium personally, he confirmed that he was represented and that the event’s report and papers were formally .
Idris emphasized that crises today are no longer defined solely by physical incidents but increasingly by how quickly and widely information spreads.
According to Olukolade, digital innovation now plays a decisive role in shaping public perception, making timely, accurate, and coordinated communication essential during emergencies.
The Minister noted that data-driven strategies and emerging technologies have become central to modern crisis response, particularly in addressing riots, terrorism, kidnappings, and attacks on schools and places of worship.
He reaffirmed that the Centre’s objectives align with the Ministry’s commitment to combating misinformation and promoting responsible communication in an era marked by fake news and the misuse of artificial intelligence.
While recognizing the value of digital media and AI tools, Idris urged practitioners to deploy them with integrity, patriotism, and a clear commitment to Nigeria’s national interest.
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