By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede on Tuesday charged media practitioners to use their platforms to promote national security.
The COAS gave the charge in his remarks at a 2-Day Training for Media Operatives in Nigeria.
It was organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs, in Abuja.
He said information to the public should not compromise national security.
Gen. Oluyede said the army is taking a proactive approach to media collaboration to build trust and cooperation in the pursuit of national security.
The COAS, who was represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj.-Gen. Gbemiga Adesina said the army had strived to strike a strategic balance between protecting law-abiding citizens, national security, and the media’s right to disseminate information.
Gen. Oluyede said the training highlighted the significance of collaboration between the military and the media in addressing security challenges.
According to him, as security situations evolve, public institutions like the media must also adapt to meet the challenges of our time.
He said,“This training is timely, especially with the Nigerian Army deployed in various theatres of operation.
“Its objective is to facilitate a conducive working relationship between the military and the media.
“I believe it is essential for security agencies and the media to engage in forums like this, as both parties work towards the same purpose – a secure Nigeria where every individual is important.
“I am encouraged by the array of speakers lined up for this event, and I am confident that we will all be better equipped to advance national security.”
The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Maj.-Gen. Chibuisi Gold said that addressing the evolving national security challenges required a whole-of-society approach.
Gen. Gold said that building a mutual understanding rooted in trust, accuracy, and balanced reporting between the military and media was crucial.
He said the training was part of the Nigerian army’s commitment to enhancing civil-military relations and fostering an informed, professional, and secure information environment.
According to him, this strategic collaboration aims to expose media professionals to the Army’s doctrines, operations, and communication strategies.
“Accurate and constructive reporting can galvanise national support, enhance accountability, and contribute positively to collective security.
“A well-informed media is a strategic partner in our fight against security threats.
“This initiative bridges the knowledge gap between the security sector and media practitioners, promoting responsible reporting that supports national security interests,” he said.
The CCMA urged the participants to engage actively, ask questions, and seek clarity on complex issues.
He expressed appreciation to the COAS for his strategic direction and support, expressing optimism that the engagement would strengthen the rapport between the army and the media.
In his goodwill message, the Editor-In-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Muftau Ojo, commended the Nigerian army for organising the training.
Ojo said the training underscored the need for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian media and the military, especially at a time when the nation was being assailed by multi-dimensional security challenges.
“This initiative we are witnessing today will certainly foster understanding and effective communication between the Nigerian military and the media ultimately enhancing national security and public awareness.
