Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Nigerian Army on Thursday, September 26, 2024 hosted a media chat in Makurdi, Benue state focusing on the important role of the media in advancing national security objectives.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja highlighted the media’s responsibility to ensure a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria through professionalism and strong military-media relationships.
He noted that the dialogue underscored the army’s commitment to protect citizens and uphold their liberties, while also recognizing the media’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the relationship between the military and the public.
The Army Chief stressed the need for open communication, responsible reporting, and mutual respect to enhance collaboration between the army and the media.
He said joint efforts were required to achieve national development, peacebuilding, and projecting a positive national image in addressing security challenges and fostering patriotism.
COAS acknowledged the army’s progress in combating threats, urging Nigerians to support the army and calling on the media to report responsibly.
He expressed appreciation to the troops, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the media for their contributions to maintaining a stable, peaceful, and secured Nigeria.
The event served as a platform to strengthen the partnership between the military and the media, with a shared commitment to advancing national security goals and promoting a prosperous future for Nigeria.
He urged participants to explore how the collaboration can enhance national security and socio-economic development of Nigeria.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to work closely with the media to strengthen partnerships and professionalism to achieve common goals for a secure and thriving Nigeria.
He said the event was aimed at fostering meaningful discussions and to seek effective solutions to defend Nigeria’s national interests.
Chief Nduka Obaegbuna, Publisher of ThisDay Newspaper and Chairman of Arise Television News Channel, advocated for revitalizing Nigeria’s Defense Industry as a security strategy to reduce reliance on imported military equipment.
His remarks were made during the media chat in Makurdi, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance civil-military cooperation and engage with the media effectively.
Maj. Gen. NC Ugbor, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the military and the media in promoting civil-military cooperation and garnering support from the public.
He explained that the focus of the Media Chat was on the media’s role in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria by maintaining professionalism, excellence, and strengthening the military-media relationship.
According to Gen. Ugbor, the platform had provided an opportunity for meaningful discussions aimed at achieving shared objectives of a secure and thriving Nigeria, adding that the partnership was necessary to improve national security and socio-economic well-being in the country.
He expressed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to fostering collaboration and professionalism through various engagements and training initiatives to enhance joint efforts in promoting national security and prosperity.
The Army Head of Civil Military Affairs encouraged
participants to offer effective solutions that reinforce the defence of Nigeria’s national interests at the event which he said was a part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen civil-military cooperation and engage with the media effectively.
The event, themed; “The Media and the Military: Allies in Pursuit of National Security,” emphasized the importance of collaboration between the media and the army to address security threats and promote peace in Nigeria.
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