The Federal Authorities has urged better care in the usage of language throughout safety operations, media reporting, and public discourse, warning that obscure or deceptive definitions can deepen divisions and erode nationwide unity.
The decision was made by the Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at a convention organised by the White Ink Institute for Technique, Schooling, and Analysis Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
The occasion, themed ‘Contextualising Definitions and Terminologies to Tackle Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Safety Operations in West Africa,’ targeted on how language shapes notion and may both inflame or scale back bias.
Idris was represented by the Govt Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dili Ezughah.
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In line with an announcement signed by the Director, Press and Protocol on the Ministry, Suleiman Haruna, the minister stated, “Definitions are usually not impartial. They carry weight. They affect how communities are perceived and handled.
“When definitions are careless or inaccurate, they will reinforce stereotypes, deepen divisions and create distrust between residents and the establishments meant to guard them.”
He harassed that Nigeria’s variety makes it important to make use of language thoughtfully, particularly in addressing safety issues, warning towards linking prison acts to ethnic or spiritual identities.