The Director of Defense Information, Defense Headquarters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau has sought for stronger partnership with Journalists to enhance security operations and to enlighten the public on military activities.
General Gusau made the call when he paid a visit to the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto state chapter, in Sokoto.
He said the initiative was initiated to reach out to working Journalists at their respective formations and establish viable links that would further strengthen the relationship.
He said; “the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, had approved the visits aimed at fostering mutual understanding and strengthening civil-military cooperation for national development.”
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting the initiatives and contributing meaningfully to national growth.
He noted that the initiative was among many platforms that were intended to leverage to keep the military and media engaged as partners in the work of interacting with members of the public.
“The role the media play in covering military programmes is crucial, and it is important that you understand us to be able to reflect our activities well.
“Also, through your work, we are able to get feedback on the impact of our programmes, our activities, and our operations.
“So it is a symbiotic relationship, and I want to once again appreciate you for all that you have been doing in supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces, and I look forward to more meaningful engagements and even better relationships going forward,” he said.
The Director said there was a need for people to understand that the military was their own army and not their enemy, adding that the media had an important role to play in achieving that goal.
According to him, every Nigerian should realize and understand that every military personnel comes from a family and a community in the country.
Responding, the state Chairman of NUJ, Mr. Usman Binji, reaffirmed the journalists’ commitment to strengthening the vital bond between the military and the media.
Mr. Binji said the partnership was essential to defeating banditry, kidnapping for ransom, combating crime, and securing the peace and stability of the nation.
He pledged sustained collaboration with the armed forces and all relevant security institutions.