Army seeks partnership with media to strengthen national security

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged media professionals to partner with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to enhance national security.

Oluyede made the call in a keynote address he delivered at the Nigerian Army, Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat held on Tuesday in Gombe.

The event was declared open by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali M Ali, who was the chairman of the occasion.

The theme of the media chat was: “Harnessing Whole-of-Society Approach to Enhance Information Management: National Security Perspective.”

Oluyede, who described journalists as critical stakeholders in national security, said that proper information management by the media remained key to promoting peace in the country.

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Oluyede, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, the Commander, Nigerian Army Armour Corps, said the fight against insecurity needed the support of all stakeholders for the country to make progress in that regard.

Oluyede said that it was important for all patriotic citizens to play their role in the collective effort towards a secured and safe nation.

He said it was in that regard that the media had a critical role to play by ensuring that the public was well informed and educated on the activities of government and its agencies, including the Nigerian Army.

“In a bid to foster effective collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Media, it is essential to encourage open dialogue and mutual respect.

“As such, we must establish regular communication channels for transparent reporting of military operations and timely dissemination of information.

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“I urge media practitioners to uphold utmost responsibility, accuracy, and fairness when reporting on the Nigerian Army activities.

“The media should balance the national security interests with the people’s right to information,” he said.

Oluyede called for channels for countering disinformation and misinformation to enhance public confidence in information disseminations.

The army chief urged journalists to avoid spreading misinformation or engage in inflammatory contents that could undermine national unity and security.

He reiterated that the media should always verify information before disseminating it to the public.

Oluyede commended President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Army for strengthening the security architecture in the country.

He also lauded the troops, the media and citizens for their collective role in promoting peace.

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The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi said that the chat with the media was aimed at bridging the gap between military and civilians for peace and stability of the country.

Chibuisi said that the event had created a platform to discuss the best ways to manage security-related information as Nigeria was faced with multiple challenges that were inimical to national stability.

He urged journalists to strengthen its collaborations with the army to enhance public awareness, and cultivate a culture of trust and cooperation which was vital for the collective security and prosperity of the country.

On his part, Ali re-emphasised the role of the media in the pursuit of national security.

He urged journalists to project positive narratives that would help shape public perceptions and uphold the integrity of national security architecture.