The National Emergency Management Agency has sought the partnership of media organisations in the reportage and dissemination of information during emergencies in the country.
During a workshop for media practitioners in Lagos on Saturday, the agency said by working with the media, it could ensure that timely and accurate information reached the public while creating awareness to enable people to make informed decisions as well as take necessary precautions.
It further added that collaborating with the media will help in checking misinformation and fake news while building resilience in the sector.
The Director General of the agency, Mustapha Ahmed, noted that media practitioners should act “as gate-keepers in this era of disinformation, saying they should act as the bulwark against misinformation and fake news.”
He added, “We intend to foster collaboration and networking between media practitioners and NEMA. Our shared goal is to facilitate effective information dissemination during emergencies. By working together, we can ensure that timely and accurate information reaches the public, creating much-needed awareness and enabling them to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions where applicable.”
Ahmed also urged state governments to take proactive action to mitigate the effects of the impending flood.
“We seek to collaborate with NGF to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework which will enable NEMA and the NGF to track progress, assess the effectiveness of flood preparedness initiatives, and identify areas for improvement. Regular feedback and joint evaluation exercises will support evidence-based decision-making and promote accountability in disaster management efforts,” he added.
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