By Anne Azuka
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on Wednesday tasked the Nigerian media to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, impartiality and patriotism by ensuring that their reports contribute
positively to national security.
Lt Gen. Lagbaja who gave the advice in a keynote address at the Nigerian Army CIMIC Quarterly Media Chat for First Quarter 2024 in Asaba, the Delta State Capital said that the Nigerian Army was also striving to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
Lagbaja said the theme of the event, ” Imperative of Military-Media Partnership for the Attainment of National Security”, underscored the critical role that collaboration between the military and media play in safeguarding national security.
Chief of Army Staff who was represented at the occasion by Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, GOC 6 Division and Land Component JTF South South Operation Delta State added that the Nigerian Army was aware of the complexities and difficulties presented by the current security landscape in the nation.
According to him, the aim of this Media Chat is to create a conducive environment for dialogue between the Nigerian Army and media practitioners, facilitating the exchange of valuable information and ideas for the mutual
benefit of all.
“Consequently, the urgency to address security challenges has necessitated the re-strategising and rejigging of deployed troops to give the desired results bearing in mind the uniqueness of the various theatres of operations.
“It is crucial to emphasize that the actions of non-state actors aiming to
undermine the security, welfare, and overall prosperity of our country would be significantly diminished and almost non-existent without the collaboration of certain unpatriotic and unscrupulous individuals within our society”, Lagbaja stressed.
He however, frowned at the dastardly act in which the army troops carrying out their constitutional assignments in Delta’s Okuoma community was executed in the most barbaric and cruel manner, describing it as unacceptable and condemnable.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja therefore, urged the media to refrain from inadvertently amplifying the activities of these undesirable elements.
“Terrorists, insurgents and other deviant groups thrive on attention and exploit propaganda to instill fear in law-abiding citizens.
“It is only through our collective efforts that we can effectively combat insecurity and restore peace to our country.
“Let us recognise that in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, our collective security depends on our ability to work together effectively and harmoniously.
“Together, let us harness the power of communication to promote peace, unity, and resilience in the face of adversity”, he noted.
Chief of Army Staff expressed the need to build the society where the military and the media were united in their commitment to safeguarding the nation and upholding the values that define all as Nigerians.
He further urged the Nigerian people to continue to support their Army as it carries out its constitutional responsibilities.
Declaring the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat Open, the Special Guest of Honour Director General Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace posited that the collaboration between the military and the media played a pivotal role and served as a beacon of transparency, ensuring that accurate information was disseminated to the public to foster understanding and trust.
Ndace reiterated that the dedication and professionalism of both the military and the media were indispensable in respective roles.
“I am confident that through our continued cooperation, we can further strengthen our collective efforts in ensuring the stability of Nigeria”, he stated.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chief of Civil_Military Affairs, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo said the Media Chat was designed to disseminate the activities of the Nigerian Army to the general public and fostering mutual understanding by engaging with the media.
Major General Ugbo said the Chat offered a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the military and media, by fostering mutual understanding.
He added that Nigerian Army through collaboration with the media ensured that accurate and balanced information reached the public, dispelling information and rumours that could show public distrust.
