The Nigerian Army says the media has a responsibility to provide timely and useful information to the public while ensuring that such information does not compromise national security.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the opening of 2-day training for Media Operatives in Nigeria.
The training was organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
Oluyede represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj.-Gen. Gbemiga Adesina, noted that the Nigerian Army was taking proactive approach in its collaboration with the media.
He said this was with a view to building trust and cooperation in the pursuit of national security.
He noted that the Nigerian army had strived to strike a strategic balance between protecting law-abiding citizens, national security, and the media’s right to disseminate information.
He explained that 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.
”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.”
In his remarks, 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.
Gold said that building a mutual understanding rooted in trust, accuracy, and balanced reporting between the military and media was crucial.
He revealed that 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 galvanize 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 knowledge gap between security forces and media practitioners, promoting responsible reporting that support national security interests.”
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 Mufutau Ojo, commended the Nigerian army for organising the training.
Ojo said that 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,” he said.
Similarly, the Director News, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Hajiya Halima Musa, stressed the need to understand how to consolidate the responsibilities of the military and media
Musa said that while the media was tasked by law to preserve national integrity and national peace, the armed forces were in charge of maintaining or preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as national peace and integrity.
She called for access to timely and accurate information, adding that lack of accurate information gives room for speculation.
”We are not in the business of speculation, but it is always better if the information is granted to the media so that they can report it accurately to the satisfaction of everybody towards achieving national peace,” she said. (NAN)
