Federal Government of Nigeria has developed a Mobile Application called ‘Mobilizer’, which Nigerian youths and majority of the grassroots populace can download on their phones to report crimes and criminalities wherever they are located.
Gatekeepers News reports that the new application would make it easy for security agencies; Nigerian Police, military, and other security agencies to swing into action in time, track, apprehend criminals, and bring them to book.
Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Issa Lanre-Onilu announced this during a meeting with the press at National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja, on Wednesday
The press meeting was convened by National Coordinator, Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka.
Present at the meeting was former spokesman of Defence headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Olukolade (rtd); and Head of Strategic Communications in ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa among others.
Speaking at the meeting, NOA DG, represented by Director of Press, Paul Odenyi noted that if youths were aware of a lot of lofty programmes government has in place for them, they would embrace them and won’t engage in any form of violence.
He said, “We know and are aware that it is very important to carry youth along in whatever programmes we do. I want to, therefore use this medium to inform you that at the National Orientation Agency, we now have an App called ‘Mobiliser’, where Nigerian youth can report crimes and criminalities in first hand, in real time”.
In his welcome remarks, National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Laka revealed that the Center views the media as critical partners in fight against terrorism and other violent crimes, hence it was expedient for both the media and security agencies to be on the same page.
He said, “The Centre, in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in June this year conducted a 2-day training on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting.”
“While we count on your support and cooperation as the last gatekeepers hence all media contents are often published by your consent, it is in your place and sacred duty to take full control and effectively use your medium of communications to promote mutual trust, build unity among Nigerians and adequately counter the destructive ideologies and narratives of terrorist groups.”
“There is no doubt that Media contents have been well employed in the past to enlighten and reengineer the mind.”
“They carry messages that encourage respect for human dignity, appreciation of our diversity, inspire loyalty and love of service for fatherland.”
Former spokesman of Nigerian Army, and also Defence headquarters, Major Gen Olukolade reiterated that it was important for critical stakeholders including media to change narratives about the nation.
