In a bid to foster collaboration and enhance national security, Journalists, men and officers of the Nigerian Army have been trained on the need to improve communication and synergy in addressing security challenges in the country.
Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation engaged media professional and civil societies among stakeholders at a workshop with the theme ‘Military-Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development’ to synergize efforts, improve communication and Strengthen National Security
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan in a keynote address said the military was fully committed to restoring peace and ensuring security of lives.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede said the military was fully confronting security threats head-on and that the people should expect more elaborate and strategic security arrangements aimed at ending the violence.
He urged community leaders and residents to support the military by providing timely and credible intelligence, noting that the army’s response is often delayed by inadeauate local cooperation.
In some cases, the intelligence we get is either late or inaccurate, which hampers our operations. That must change if we’re to win this fight
Lt. Gen. Oluyede also appealed to journalists to verify their reports before publication, especially in an era where misinformation and disinformation dominate social media.
The media must play its part in safeguarding national security. We urge reporters to reach out to military authorities to clarify facts before putting out stories. Sensationalism only worsens public anxiety and undermines national efforts,” he said
He also spoke about citizens’ education and enlightenment as part of efforts, saying it is critical for the people to fully appreciate and understand their role in the matrix of the whole-of-nation approach in dealing with security challenges.
In a lecture titled “Enhancing Information for National Security and Development: Nigerian Military Operation in perspective,” Col. Timothy Okon Antigha emphasized the significance of effective information management for national security, warning that poorly managed information can lead to instability in society.
He also used the opportunity to showcase some of the activities of Nigerian Army in troubled spots while charging pen pushers to be fair in reportage of their activities.
The Nigerian Army beyond fighting wars to keep the territorial integrity of this nation is engaged in a number of humanitarian activities across the country”, he added.
Delivering the second lecture “Effective Information Management and National Security: Focus on Multi-Stakeholders Approach”, The HOD, Mass Communication Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko,
Dr. Mrs Christiana Ade-Johnson, examined the crucial roles of the media and community in combating terrorism, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the Nigerian Army to achieve national security goals.
The Administrative Secretary Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr. Olanrewaju Akarakiri represented by the Director Public and Media Relations, Mr. Adedayo Akindele described the media chat as “timely and crucial, as the synergy between the military and media is essential for promoting national unity, security and development of our great country Nigeria.”
Speaking on behalf of Administrative Secretary, expressed optimism that through collaboration, the media and the Nigerian Army can deepen public understanding of military roles in nation-building and improve the dissemination of factual information.
The event also featured panel discussions on key issues that bothers on National Security.
Participants unanimously agreed that the initiative was timely and forward-thinking. Specifically, media practitioners urged the military to increase transparency through regular briefings and the release of verifiable information, enabling accurate reporting while safeguarding national security.
