Abia Ompan Executive Pays Courtesy Visit To State Director DSS
The Executive of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Abia Chapter, today, 1st of April, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Director of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), as part of activities to sustain partnership with the security outfit.
The State Director who was represented by the Assistant Director, Strategic Operations, Emmanuel Eyibio welcomed the OMPAN Exco and as well, congratulated the new leadership of the association.
He acknowledged the pivotal role the OMPAN plays in information dissemination and assured that it’s partnership with the association would be sustained, so as to combat the enemy of fake news.
According to him, such partnerships is highly recommended especially at a time where Information Communication Technology is at its orizon. He said with the dynamics associated with ICT, there are bound to be negative effects, hence the need to have the OMPAN as a watch dog to help checkmate activities of online users.
Eyibio hinted that the Department of State Security Service has part of its duties anchored on monitoring the social media space, the post and comments of users, observe any unrest that might emanate from a post snd advise the government to respond rapidly, being the eye of the government both at the state and federal level.
He added that the outfit cannot do it alone, therefore, the need to collaborate with Ompan to help stop the spread of fake and unverified news stories, urging the association to conduct thorough profiling of anyone they wish to admit as members, as well as, monitor items of members before they are published. That way, he said, the menace eating up the media space would be tackled to some point.
Eyibio equally advised OMPAN to hint it’s members that the cyber crime law is very active, so they should ensure they operate within the armbit of the law.
He said the DSS is open to support the association to ensure there is maximum peace and congratulated the association in her forth coming 10th anniversary.
Earlier, the Chairman, Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro anipr, while delivering his speech, said the visit was both significant and necessary as it provides the opportunity to strengthen the existing relationship between the security architecture, the state and media practitioners who operate within the digital information space.
Chief Okoro thanked the security outfit for honouring the association with her presence during the 2025 AGM.
Continuing, the chairman disclosed that the association was aware of the enormous responsibility that comes with disseminating information in a fast paced digital age.
“The role we play in shaping public opinion, influencing narratives and promoting transparency cannot be overemphasized. However, we also recognize that with this responsibility comes the obligation to uphold professionalisom, verity facts and avoid content capable of undermining peace and security”.
Against this backdrop, the chairman seeked continued synergy with the DSS, stating that a well structured engagement with them and members of ompan will go long way in curbing misinformation, fake news and other forms of harmful communication that could threaten public order.
The chairman, disclosed that OMPAN is committed to ensuring that platforms of her members are not used as tools for destabilization but rather, as instruments for development, unity and responsible civic engagement.
Chief Okoro further informed the security outfit of the association’s 10th year anniversary celebration coming up in October 2026.
In a vote of thanks, Comrade Chika Nwabueze commended the security outfit for maintaining peace and tranquility in Abia, stressing that the Ompan is willing to collaborate with them, as well as, other relevant stakeholders to ensure Abia disseminate accurate information.
Kate Okereke
Public Relations Officer
Abia OMPAN
