By Richard Maiwada, Anna Olaleye & Kehinde Mefolere
General Officer Commanding Three Armoured Division of Nigerian Army, Major General Sunday Idoko has stressed the need for effective information management by the government and other stakeholders in the information sector in fostering peace among the people.
He stated this at the first public lecture organised by the National Association of Nigerian University Students (NANUS) at the Jossy Royal Hotel, Jos.
The GOC who was represented by Colonel J. Alexander highlighted the key roles of the government, the media and the society which, he said, are crucial to the attainment and sustenance of lasting peace in Plateau State.
According to him, “the world has moved from an industrial age to an information age, therefore information revolution is key to the attainment of peace in Plateau State”.
He said government officials must be cautious on the kind of information they release to the public, as some messages are capable of heightening tension in the society.
He also noted that the proliferation of today’s information system and the multiplicity of information channels have influenced the management of information largely.
However, the Director of the Legal Services in the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Giwa and a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Jos, Professor Leonard Fwa in different contributions, argued that information should be made free as it is the constitutional right of every citizen to be informed on every issue that concerns them.
President of NANUS, John Offai solicited the support of various stakeholders, students and the public to help NANUS contribute meaningfully to the peace process in Plateau State.
