This was revealed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed at a meeting with the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja yesterday, to enlist their support in the on-going war against terrorism.
It will be recalled that as a military Head of State, Buhari alongside Tunde Idiagbon launched a nationwide campaign called “War Against Indiscipline” (“WAI”). The WAI campaign was aimed at tackling the most anti-social Nigerian characteristics such as indiscipline, corruption, and lack of environmental sanitation.
He further said the new attitudinal change programme was tagged “Change Begins With Me”, adding that the National Orientation Agency (NOA), with offices across the 774 local government councils will be saddled with the responsibility of driving it.
He further explained that another campaign against corruption would also be unveiled shortly after the commencement of the “Change Begins With Me’’ programme.
Aware that some members of BON are privately-owned outfits that need to make money to remain afloat, the minister argued that they could only carry out their operations when the nation is at peace.
He equated the situation in the country to war, reiterating that the media cannot afford to be neutral at this time.
“This war against terror is our war, not the military’s war,’’ he stated, charging them to assist government in disseminating security awareness campaign messages across the country.
The minister said the essence of the campaign was to educate Nigerians on the need to support the military which, according to him, had availed itself creditably in the battle.
It was also aimed at alerting the citizenry to the need to be more security conscious, to be able to identify Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the weapon of choice deployed by the Jihadi terrorists.
Another reason was for the campaign is that Nigerians be able to identify suicide bombers before they are able to strike since “they live amongst us”.
Mohammed explained that the messages will be produced in various local languages to make them more potent.
He also alleged that some beneficiaries of corruption who did not want the nation to be at peace were behind the funding of the Boko Haram insurgency from proceeds of corruption.
“We believe that the change we so desire must start with each and every one of us, if it is to endure. The change must also come from within the heart, rather than being forced,” the minister stated.
On a request by one of the BON members that the government should assist them in protecting broadcast installations, the minister said he would reach out to the Inspector General of Police, to provide security to all broadcasting premises and facilities nationwide
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