The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian military and media stakeholders to counter misinformation and strengthen public trust.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the call while declaring open the 2025 Directorate of Army Public Relations and Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information Media Workshop, held at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri.
Addressing the participants, the Army Chief, who was represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Corps, Igbawua Mathias Amartso, described the chosen theme, “Navigating The Evolving Media Landscape: Enhancing Collaboration With Media Stakeholders Through New Media”, as timely and strategic for national security communication.
Nigerian Leader Meets Former Defence Chief, Christopher Musa
The Army Chief emphasised that the Nigerian Army continues to operate in an environment where information travels rapidly, shaping public perception and influencing national morale.
Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted that new media present opportunities for transparent storytelling but also expose the force to misinformation and propaganda capable of undermining operational gains.
Media Engagement
Lieutenant General Shaibu equally noted that “the workshop underscores the importance of media engagement in balancing narratives, countering fake news, and ensuring that public understanding of military operations is grounded in accuracy and responsibility.”
He stressed that perception often shapes reality, and therefore, public support remains a strategic necessity for all military operations across theatres.
The Army Chief stated that as security challenges evolve, the Nigerian Army must continuously adapt its communication strategies to ensure coherence, credibility and public confidence.
Collaboration
He explained that “collaboration, professionalism and mutual understanding between the military and media actors are central to effective information management in crises.”
He described the workshop as a strategic investment in capacity building, designed to bridge communication gaps and institutionalise a framework for continuous media–military cooperation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged officers and media professionals to maximise the session for dialogue, learning and professional growth, stressing that the lecture topics were deliberately curated to stimulate curiosity and strengthen communication competencies.
He commended the Acting Director of Army Public Relations for organising the workshop and acknowledged the resource persons for contributing their expertise.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to credible information dissemination and to sustaining strong partnerships with the media as part of national security efforts.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Apolonia Anele, said the Nigerian Army was committed to transparency, responsible communication and deeper collaboration with media stakeholders.
According to the Director, “the annual workshop has evolved into a vital platform for professional exchange and capacity development between the military, the media and academia.”
Lieutenant Colonel Anele emphasised that the media remained an essential partner in shaping accurate national narratives and building trust while stressing that effective public relations requires not only clear communication but also active listening, constructive engagement and building relationships rooted in trust and respect.
She was represented at the event by the commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information, Lieutenant Colonel Adamu Ngulde.
Participants at the workshop will take part in lectures and hands-on sessions covering digital tools, online engagement, rapid information environments and strategic storytelling.
These sessions aim to enhance the Army’s communication approach and improve its interface with the public across modern media channels.
Confidence Okwuchi