The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration towards promoting responsible journalism and fostering national unity.
Both institutions emphasised the vital role of accurate and ethical reporting in enhancing public trust, safeguarding national security and advancing peace and development across Nigeria.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this announcement during an interactive session with members of the NUJ FCT Council, who paid a courtesy visit to the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
Air Commodore Ejodame described journalists as vital allies in the collective effort to promote unity, stability and public confidence in national institutions. He likened the relationship between the Air Force and the media to a marriage built on trust, respect and open communication.
“When you call yourselves frontline workers, that is exactly how we see you in the Air Force. We operate in different spaces, but both of us deal with information that can save lives,” he said.
He emphasised that information management during military operations must be handled with discretion, as the release of sensitive details could compromise missions or endanger personnel.
“In military operations, information is intelligence. A simple statistic, such as casualty figures or troop movements, can compromise operations if mishandled. When we withhold certain details, it is not out of secrecy or arrogance, but a matter of protecting lives,” he explained.
Air Commodore Ejodame further cautioned that in an era of fake news and social media misinformation, journalists have a greater responsibility to verify and contextualise reports related to national security. He noted that premature or inaccurate publications could inadvertently serve the interests of insurgents and other hostile actors.
He therefore urged journalists always to consider the national interest and the safety of security personnel when reporting sensitive issues.
Highlighting the evolving nature of the Air Force, Ejodame stated that NAF is becoming a smarter, technology-driven and people-focused force that prioritises precision and the protection of civilians in all its operations.
“The Nigerian Air Force is not just about bombs and bullets. We are developing an Air Force that deploys smarter, intelligence-led air power that is precise and sensitive to civilian safety. Our focus now is on smarter operations and community protection,” he said.
He added that NAF values ongoing community engagement and is open to partnership with the NUJ on training and capacity-building initiatives that would enhance responsible defence and security reporting.
“We look forward to working closely with the NUJ to build capacity in responsible reporting and to strengthen understanding between the military and the media,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier, the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and remarkable contributions to national security and development.
She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to upholding the principles of truth, balance and responsibility in journalism.
“The visit aims to strengthen the partnership between the media and the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in the areas of information management, combating fake news and public enlightenment on security matters. We believe that open communication between the military and the media is key to building public trust and countering misinformation,” she stated.
Ms Ike also expressed the union’s readiness to collaborate with NAF on media training, capacity development and corporate social responsibility initiatives, noting that such partnerships would deepen professionalism and mutual understanding.
She further congratulated the Nigerian Air Force Football Team for emerging champions at the recently concluded NUJ FCT Football Tournament, describing their victory as a testament to discipline, teamwork and excellence qualities that reflect the enduring values of the Nigerian Air Force.
The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for both parties to reaffirm their shared commitment to national unity, responsible communication and the promotion of credible, fact-based journalism in the public interest.