CP URGES BROADCASTERS TO CHAMPION NIGERIA’S IMAGE, PROMOTE CULTURAL HERITAGE

 

*“Project Our Country in Good Light” – Police Chief Tasks Media on Nation-Building, Responsible Storytelling*

The Commissioner of Police has called on broadcasters and media professionals to deliberately project Nigeria positively and use their platforms to promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage, stressing that responsible storytelling is critical to national unity and global perception.

*Key Highlights of the CP’s Charge*

1. *Positive Projection Over Negative Sensationalism*

   The CP noted that while constructive criticism has a place in journalism, the broadcast industry must balance reportage by amplifying Nigeria’s innovations, resilience, and cultural excellence. “If we do not tell our own story well, nobody else will do it for us,” he said. Every negative post or harsh commentary chips away at the country’s image and discourages foreign investment.

2. *Culture as a Tool for Unity and Development*

   Broadcasters were urged to prioritize indigenous content that preserves traditions, languages, and values at risk of extinction. From festivals and folklore to local crafts and history, media content shapes what the next generation sees and values.

3. *Media’s Role in Nation-Building*

   The CP emphasized that broadcast platforms should encourage patriotism, productivity, and social cohesion instead of amplifying divisive rhetoric. “The broadcast industry owes it as a duty to Nigerians to use its platform to encourage productivity, patriotism, national unity and cohesion”.

4. *Constructive Engagement, Not Debt Recovery*

   Drawing a clear line between civil matters and criminality, the CP reminded media practitioners and the public that the Police are not tools for personal vendettas. Nation-building requires truthful, transparent journalism that builds trust, not fear. 9fb9a4d271e0a7ce18e2

*Why It Matters*

1. *Investment & Reputation*: Negative reportage hampers foreign investment. States are safe and investment-friendly, but perception often lags behind reality.

2. *Cultural Preservation*: Western media influence continues to reshape local tastes. Nigerian media must counterbalance this by promoting indigenous heritage so it isn’t eroded for future generations.

3. *Youth Identity*: What children see on TV shapes what they embrace. Parents and broadcasters share responsibility for teaching that tradition is positive, not evil. 9fb971e0a4d2

*Call to Action for Broadcasters*

1. *Tell the Full Story*: For every challenge reported, spotlight solutions, innovations, and community wins.

2. *Create Cultural Content*: Revive oral traditions, indigenous languages, and heritage documentaries. Radio and TV dramas in Kanuri, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and other languages preserve linguistic identity.

3. *Fact-Check & De-escalate*: Avoid unverifiable social media content that tests national unity. Sustain peer review systems to curb fake news.

4. *Collaborate Globally*: Partner on co-productions that reflect African stories beyond stereotypes, building the Global South’s voice in international discourse. 394ea7ce93ffc733

*Bottom Line*

The CP’s message aligns with broader calls from information ministers and media leaders: projection of Nigeria in good light is “crucial to the socio-economic growth and development of the country”. When broadcasters choose constructive narratives, they don’t just report news — they shape national pride, attract opportunity, and keep culture alive.