NEWS

Chief of Army staff charges media practitioners on accurate, balanced reportage

Maureen Ikpeama7 months ago7 months ago1486 mins

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged media practitioners on accurate
and balanced reporting of the operations and activities of the Nigerian Army.

He gave the charge on Thursday in Enugu in an address delivered at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Quarterly Media Chat for the Fourth Quarter of 2024, with the theme: “Military and Media Relationship: A Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development”.

Lt. Gen. Oluyede, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, noted the need to strengthen collaboration and create opportunities for open dialogue between the Nigerian Army and the media.

He said these open dialogues are essential requirements for robust and mutually beneficial relationship.

Pix: Participants at the event

According to him, establishing regular communication channels would enable transparent reporting on military operations, timely dissemination of information, and help counter misinformation effectively.

Pix: First female Professor of Mass Communication in Africa and Former Commissioner for Information, Anambra state, Prof Stella Okunna(L) Head of Mass Communication Department , Renaissance University,Ugbuawka,Dr. Maxwell Ngene(R)

He said, “I urge media practitioners to prioritise accuracy and fairness in reporting on Nigerian Army activities and balancing the public’s right to information with national security considerations.

“It is also crucial to avoid spreading misinformation or content that could jeopardise national unity and security. Through collaboration, we can enhance, public understanding, build trust and contribute to the greater good of our nation.

“This partnership should extend beyond conflict reporting to include national development and community engagement.

“By highlighting initiatives that improve the lives of citizens, we can promote a united front against violent armed groups and distractions from nation-building.”

The COAS revealed that Nigerian Army had been intensifying operations across various regions to address the complex security challenges the nation currently faces.

“I am pleased to report significant successes, including the neutralisation of terrorists, the rescue of abducted citizens and restoring socio-economic activities in affected communities.

“As we continue these operations, I call on all Nigerians to support the Army and urge the media to maintain responsible and balanced reporting.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to fostering a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the media, essential for safeguarding our territorial integrity and advancing national development,” he said.

Speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation, Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, commended the COAS and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for supporting and funding the media chat to build a robust understand between the Nigerian Army and media.

He also thanked the media practitioners and executives for taking out time to relate with the Nigerian Army and proffering solutions to localised security challenges.

On his part, the Special Guest of Honour , Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Newspaper, Toke Ibru, described the media chat and its theme were apt to create accessibility of the public especially media to get correct information and drive away misinformation.

“The event will also enable the Nigerian Army understand how the media functions, including its challenges and pressures; and through this means better the relationship,” Ibru said.

In a lecture titled: “Enhancing National Security through Whole of Society Approach: Effective Information Management in Perspective”, the guest lecturer, Maj,-Gen. Godwin Umelo (retired),

said the people must get involved in the security of their neighbourhoods and communities.

“Security is everybody’s business in the society and we needed to give security agencies especially the Nigerian Army all the support in terms of actionable information to respond to security threats on time,” Umelo said.

Author: Maureen Ikpeama