The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Gold Chibuisi, has stated that when accurate and constructive reporting is deployed in journalism, it can galvanise national support, enhance accountability, and contribute positively to collective security.
He stated this at the opening of a 2-Day Training for Media Operatives in Nigeria, organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs, in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital, on Tuesday at the Army Resource Centre.
According to General Gold Chibuisi, the relationship between the military and the media must be strengthened by building mutual understanding rooted in trust, accuracy, and balanced reporting.
The Civil Military Affairs Chief stressed that the strategic collaboration and training aims to expose media professionals to the Army’s doctrines, operations, and communication strategies.
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He further said the evolving national security challenges require a whole-of-society approach; hence, the training was part of the Nigerian army’s commitment to enhancing civil-military relations, fostering an informed, professional, and secure information environment.
“A well-informed media is a strategic partner in our fight against security threats. This initiative bridges the knowledge gap between the security sector and media practitioners, promoting responsible reporting that supports national security interests.”
He called on all the participants, comprising Media executives and defence correspondents, to engage actively and attentively, to understand the complex security issues around the country.
He expressed appreciation to the COAS for his strategic direction and support, expressing optimism that the engagement would strengthen the rapport between the army and the media.
The director of news, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Hajiya Halima Musa, stressed the need to understand how to consolidate the responsibilities of the military and media while calling for access to timely and accurate information.
According to the media executive, lack of accurate information gives room for speculation. She stressed that if good and timely information is granted to the media, accurate reportage will be encouraged towards achieving national security objectives.