The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for sustained collaboration between the military and media to address Nigeria’s pressing security challenges.
Oluyede also tasked media practitioners in the South-East with responsible and balanced reportage on operations and activities of the Nigerian Army.
Oluyede made the call in Enugu on Thursday in an address at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Quarterly Media Chat for the Fourth Quarter of 2024, with the theme: ‘Military and Media Relationship: A Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development.’
He said that establishing regular communication channels would enable transparent reporting on military operations, timely dissemination of information, and help counter misinformation effectively.
He said, “I urge media practitioners to prioritise accuracy and fairness in reporting on Nigerian Army activities and balancing the public’s right to information with national security considerations.
“It is also crucial to avoid spreading misinformation or content that could jeopardize national unity and security. Through collaboration, we can enhance public understanding, build trust, and contribute to the greater good of our nation.
“This partnership should extend beyond conflict reporting to include national development and community engagement.
“By highlighting initiatives that improve the lives of citizens, we can promote a united front against violent armed groups and distractions from nation-building.”
The COAS who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major General Hassan Dada, revealed that the Nigerian Army had been intensifying operations across various regions to address the complex security challenges the nation currently faces.
“I am pleased to report significant successes, including the neutralization of terrorists, the rescue of abducted citizens, and restoring socio-economic activities in affected communities.
“As we continue these operations, I call on all Nigerians to support the Army and urge the media to maintain responsible and balanced reporting.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to fostering a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the media, essential for safeguarding our territorial integrity and advancing national development,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo appreciated the COAS and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for supporting and funding the media chat to build a robust understanding between the Nigerian Army and the media.
Ugbo also thanked the media practitioners and executives for taking out time to relate with the Nigerian Army and proffering solutions to localised security challenges.
The Special Guest of Honour to the event, Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Toke Ibru, noted that the media chat and its theme were apt to create accessibility for the public especially the media to get correct information and drive away misinformation.
“The event will also enable the Nigerian Army to understand how the media functions, including its challenges and pressures; and through this means better the relationship,” Ibru said.
Major General Godwin Umelo (retired), in a lecture titled: “Enhancing National Security through Whole of Society Approach: Effective Information Management in Perspective”, said that people must get involved in the security of their neighbourhoods and communities.
“Security is everybody’s business in the society and we need to give security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army all the support in terms of actionable information to respond to security threats on time,” Umelo said.
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