The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has asserted that fake news and hate speeches will compound Nigeria’s security challenges.

Mr Mohammed made the assertion at the opening of a two-day national conference on Culture, Peace and National Security: “The role of the media”, on Tuesday in Kano.

The event was organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

“Skewed reporting, as well as the phenomenon of fake news, hate speech and has the capacity to worsen the security situation,” the minister said. “They do not only create fear among the citizens but can also adversely affect the morale of our security personnel.”

Represented by the director, International Cultural Relations in the ministry, Maimuna Idu-Lah, Mr Mohammed urged media practitioners to intensify efforts in according priority to national interest while discharging their constitutional and professional duties.

Mr Mohammed has repeatedly said Nigeria was safe despite worsening insecurity, claiming that critics of President Muhammadu Buhari were promoting fake news to rubbish his administration.

However, he stressed the need for all and sundry to continue to join hands in the fight against security challenges bedevilling the country.

The minister noted that the marching order given by the president to security agents to hunt, pursue and speak to terrorists has started yielding positive results.

“The military has recorded successes in neutralising bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals across the country,” he said.

Mr Mohammed said apart from investing heavily in purchasing security equipment, the president had sent to the National Assembly bills on the transmission of explosives and control of small arms and light weapons.

Earlier, the executive secretary, NICO, Ado Mohammed-Yahuza, said the neglect of culture or its nonrecognition had contributed largely to the failing development agenda of most countries.

“Until culture is accorded its pride of place, a meaningful development is likely to be a mirage. The way out of the quack mire is a well-articulated cultural rebirth programme,” he said.

(NAN)