The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has stated that Nigeria’s security challenges, which range from insurgency to banditry and emerging threats, require coordinated efforts, strategic thinking, and sustained engagement across all sectors of society.

Professor Omotayo, who stated that no single institution, including NIPSS, can address the challenges alone, emphasized that the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies has continued to serve as a center for strategic reflection and innovation in this regard.

“Through rigorous research, high-level training programs, and stakeholder dialogues, we seek to provide governments with practical and forward-looking recommendations.”

In an interactive session with newsmen at the elite institute, the Director-General stated that NIPSS is viewed as a bridge connecting government, academia, civil society, and most importantly, the media, adding that

The role of journalists as the fourth estate of the realm in interpreting and disseminating the ideas cannot be overstated.

He declared, “I wish to emphasize that the way security issues are reported matters greatly. It is my belief that responsible journalism can help calm tensions, promote understanding, and support national unity. Conversely, sensationalism or the spread of unverified information can exacerbate already fragile situations.”

Professor Omotayo, therefore, called for a renewed commitment to accuracy, context, and professionalism, emphasizing that the institute as well must do more to ensure timely access to credible information and expert insights to support your work.

“Beyond security, our economic realities also call for careful and deliberate engagement. Nigerians are facing real pressures, and understandably so. Economic reforms, while necessary, often come with short-term difficulties. In such moments, clear communication becomes essential.

“The media serves as the bridge between policymakers and the public, helping to explain not just what decisions are being made but why they are necessary and what outcomes are expected. This shared responsibility requires trust, openness, and dialogue.

The Director-General, who emphatically stated that cooperation is not a one-way street, called on journalists to uphold the highest standards of journalism, while the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies committed itself to greater transparency and engagement.

“We are open to your questions, your scrutiny, and your ideas. In fact, it is through such constructive engagement that stronger policies and outcomes are achieved.” He said. (TRIBUNE)

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