DSS Seeks Collaboration With Media, CSOs For National Security

Department of State Services (DSS), has sought collaboration with the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) with the aim of ensuring peace and national security across the country.

At a one-day interactive parley with CSOs and top media executives, the director-general of DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, said, “No country can develop without the presence of peace. We must learn how to live peacefully among ourselves.

Represented by the director of intelligence, Usman Shehu, the DG DSS said the theme of the event, “Building a symbiotic relationship for national security and peace”, is apt as it talks about collaboration, and cooperation among others.

The agency’s boss also said, “The DSS under my leadership, is open to all forms of partnership, suggestion and criticism.”

This is even as the director of public relations and strategic communications (DPRSC), and the spokesperson of the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya warned against fake news and called on media practitioners, social media users, CSOs to be wary of its implications.

While presenting his paper, “Reconstructing Perspective and Narrative for National Peace and Harmony in Nigeria: A Task for All”, former DG DSS, Mathew Seiyefa, said nations are stable, successful and peaceful only to the level of their democratic position.

He, however, said, “Security is development and there can never be clear development without security.”

He also said the media is critical to national security and development of a nation and urged media practitioners to be patriotic in their duties to the nation.

Among the media practitioners present at the event include, the editor -in- chief of LEADERSHIP Group Limited, Azu Ishiekwene and various CSOs.