The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has pledged to partner the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on effective crime reportage and disaster management.
The Managing Director, NAN, Mr Buki Ponle, and the NSCDC’s Commandant-General, Mr Abdullahi Gana, made the pledge when Ponle led the agency’s management team on a courtesy visit to the NSCDC’s Commandant-General, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ponle noted the achievement of the agency over the years saying that the agency had been able to establish offices all over the 36 states and the FCT.
“NAN was established in 1976 but started operation in 1978 and I was a pioneer member. When we started we had 10 offices outside the country which cover Nigeria and Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“But because of funding, it has reduced to about three now. We have in New York, Abdijan which covers west Africa, and Johannesburg which covers Southern Africa.
“Coming to our operations, we have various platforms which we give to our subscribers at agreed formats.
“And lately we have gone multimedia, and this is what we have been using to enhance our operations.
“This is why we are here. We want to partner you and this time around, it is going to be an effective partnership so that the relationship can be symbiotic.
“We give you, you give us. Times are hard but news reportage and news coverage are essential in our daily lives.
“It shows opinions and reformations of the society by delivering accurately well and because we serve the same purpose, we expect you to take all the platforms most especially the news alert, the General News Service (GNS).
“And to enhance your visibility, you need to subscribe to other product from NAN.
“The bottom line is let us come closer so that we can deliver on our mandate.
“And when I say “our” it means your organisation and our organisation so that we can get Nigeria to the promise land,” he said.
Ponle commended the effort of NSCDC on the discharge of the duty noting that it was not how long but how well.
“Within a short time you have registered your name in the hall mark of Nigeria history as one of the best agencies servicing the nation even at the risk of the officers’ lives.
“We note this and applaud your efforts and we want you to continue to do that because people are watching you. Thank you very much for giving the required services.
“This is because some would be placed there and you will not get anything from them; but you have made an exceptional role in the discharge your duties.
“So more power to your elbow,” he said.
Responding, the Commandant-General, NSCDC, Gana, appreciated the NAN MD and congratulated him on his appointment.
Gana said that the mandate of the Corps was dealing with disaster management both with humans and property.
“Civil defence is an international body, established in 1967 during the civil war and internal security is our main concern.
“I can assure you that we have been working well with NAN and we will continue to work together.
“However, consider NSCDC as your second home.
“We accept all your package,” he said.
The C-G commended the MD on his experience noting that it would help in gathering ideas that would serve the country better and make Nigeria a better place for all.