“Don’t Turn The Pen Into A Sword,” Mbadiwe Tells Journalists At DICAN Security Conference
The Registrar-General of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), Mr Henry Mbadiwe, has issued a passionate call for ethical journalism and strategic communication, warning that the misuse of media could pose just as great a threat as armed conflict.
Speaking at the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) Bi-Annual International Conference in Abuja, Mbadiwe urged journalists to uphold truth and professionalism, cautioning: “The pen is increasingly being used as a sword—a tool of harm rather than truth.”
The conference, themed “Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy Amidst Global Security Challenges, Strategic Misconceptions, and the Age of Disinformation,” brought together leading voices from the diplomatic, intelligence, and media sectors to reflect on the role of accurate information in sustaining national and global peace.
Mbadiwe, who delivered the keynote lecture, highlighted how false media narratives can be just as damaging as physical violence. “I returned from the UK to serve my country, not to be destroyed by false headlines,” he said, sharing personal experiences of being a target of unverified reporting.
While praising DICAN for its consistency and courage in convening the conference, he also called for the integration of sound project management principles such as stakeholder analysis, strategic planning, and risk assessment into diplomacy and security operations.
“In every national initiative, be it foreign policy or counterterrorism we are managing projects. We must approach them strategically,” he added.
His message struck a chord with attendees, especially media professionals, many of whom acknowledged the need for a renewed commitment to ethics, verification, and nation-building.
As Nigeria navigates internal challenges and global security threats, Mbadiwe’s caution is a timely reminder: journalism, when guided by integrity, remains a pillar of democracy—when misused, it can be just as dangerous as any weapon.
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