The National Counter-Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) has introduced an inter-agency strategic communication campaign to boost farmers’ confidence and support safe return to farming in Borno.
The National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said this at an Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting on the AgriShield Strategic Communication Campaign on Thursday in Abuja.
Laka said the campaign, jointly organised by NCTC and TAG International, was designed to strengthen public confidence, support safe access to livelihoods and reinforce food security.
He said Borno had endured years of terrorism and violent extremism, but its people had demonstrated remarkable resilience in spite of the challenges.
The coordinator who described Borno as his second home, said he served and commanded troops in the state during the Boko Haram insurgency.
He noted that the return of families to their communities and farmers to their fields showed growing confidence, adding that sustained security and effective communication remained critical.
Laka assured farmers that the Armed Forces and other security and intelligence agencies remained committed to protecting communities and creating conditions for safe agricultural activities.
He said security efforts required trust, cooperation and responsible communication among security agencies, communities, civil society and other stakeholders.
According to him, the collaboration between NCTC and the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Borno is critical to ensuring the campaign reached communities effectively.
”AgriShield will use trusted communication channels, including radio programmes in Hausa and Kanuri, town hall meetings and voices from farmers, communities and frontline security personnel.”
He urged participating agencies to agree on responsibilities, coordination channels and timelines, while nominating senior communication officers as focal points.
Laka also said that the campaign must move beyond documentation and reach farmers and communities with practical, timely and trusted information.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the National Security Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Engagement, Dr Chido Onumah, described livelihoods as a critical national security issue.
Onumah said the security implications of livelihoods affected food producers, transporters and ultimately consumers.
He urged stakeholders to contribute ideas that would strengthen the implementation and success of the AgriShield programme.
”We are all in this together and must work closely to ensure a very successful programme,” Onumah said.
He expressed appreciation to civil society organisations, government agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to the initiative.
The meeting brought together representatives of the public relations departments of the military, police and other security agencies as well as civil society organisations.(NAN)(NAN)
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