The Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission (DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, has warned that governments, security agencies, and stakeholders in the South-West must act decisively to prevent terrorism and organised criminality from gaining a foothold in the region.
Oyeleye issued the warning during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State, to the Commission’s headquarters in Ibadan.
He said recent security challenges in parts of the South-West, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, should serve as a serious wake-up call for leaders across the region.
“We will keep working to ensure that Oriire does not repeat itself. We won’t fold our hands. It is a tragic thing and a burden to us. Oriire must not happen here again in the South-West,” he said.
Oyeleye warned that allowing terrorism to establish a presence in the region could have far-reaching consequences for national stability and development.
“We must not allow terrorism to take root in the South-West. If that happens, it may be the end of Nigeria. We will work with our principals [South-West Governors] and the media to ensure that terrorism does not repeat itself,” he added.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, local communities, and the media to effectively address emerging security threats.
The DAWN Commission boss also urged journalists to remain professional and responsible in their reportage, warning against fake news and misinformation, which he said could worsen insecurity and erode public trust.
According to him, the media plays a critical role in nation-building and should continue to promote accurate reporting, public enlightenment, and developmental journalism.
Also speaking, the Head of Media Department of the commission, Segun Balogun, said the DAWN Commission is ready to partner with journalists through training programmes, annual lectures, and media development initiatives aimed at improving reportage across the South-West.
He assured the chapel of the Commission’s support in capacity-building and digital media development.
Others present at the meeting included Dr. Adesoji Farayibi, Head of Economic Research; Dr. Omolara Ejiade, Head of Government and Data Analysis; and Ms. Alice Afolabi, Executive Assistant to the Director-General.
