The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) held its first-ever Diplomatic/Security International Conference on Tuesday, drawing global attention to the urgent need for coordinated international efforts in tackling rising insecurity and the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and misperceptions. The high-level conference, held at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, brought together ambassadors, high-ranking policymakers, international organizations, media leaders, security experts, and strategic stakeholders from across the world.
In his opening address, DICAN Chairman, Mr. Fredrick Idehai, described the conference as a bold and groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing peace, strengthening global security, and promoting development through responsible diplomatic journalism. He emphasized that DICAN is the first journalist beat association globally to initiate a cross-sectoral dialogue of this magnitude, adding that this effort reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership role in global diplomacy and international media cooperation.
“Today’s gathering is not just historic for Nigeria but for the global diplomatic and journalism communities,” Mr. Idehai said. “This is a platform for truth, clarity, and actionable strategies in the face of global disinformation crises. We are setting a new benchmark for media-driven diplomacy and security collaboration.”
The event was held under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and aligns with Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy, which encompasses Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora Engagement, championed by the Honourable Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. The Chairman extended his gratitude to the Ministry, its Permanent Secretary, and other institutional partners for their strong support and endorsement of the conference.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of DICAN Merit-Based Excellence Awards to selected individuals and institutions who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the advancement of global peace, security, and multilateral cooperation. These awards, according to the Chairman, were not given as ceremonial gestures but as a call to action for continued leadership and service in critical global issues.
“This is a charge to do more to support peacebuilding, responsible media, and sustainable diplomatic engagement,” Mr. Idehai declared.
The event also served as a platform to announce DICAN’s upcoming Diplomatic, Trade, Investment, and Business Networking Conference & Exhibition, scheduled to take place on October 28–29, 2025. The forthcoming event aims to promote stronger economic ties, attract foreign direct investment, and showcase Nigeria’s vast tourism and business potential to the international community.
Throughout the conference, DICAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting global cooperation through responsible journalism. The association urged embassies, high commissions, and international institutions to collaborate more with Nigerian media through capacity-building, information exchange, and joint initiatives that prioritize truth and transparency in global affairs.
“We welcome your partnerships in training, information sharing, and strategic collaboration,” Mr. Idehai told the diplomatic community.
The event concluded with a solemn minute of silence in memory of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari and other global citizens who have lost their lives due to insecurity and violence around the world.
With this landmark conference, DICAN has firmly established itself as a credible force in shaping the global peace and security agenda. It has been demonstrated that journalism when guided by integrity and responsibility, can be a powerful tool for policy reform, diplomatic engagement, and conflict prevention in today’s increasingly complex world.
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