By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Wednesday urged the media to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, impartiality and patriotism by ensuring that their reports Contribute positively to national security in the country.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja gave in his keynote address at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat, First Quarter 2024 in Asaba, Delta State Capital, with the theme ” Imperative of Military -Media Partnership for the Attachment of National Security”
The Chief of Army Staff who was ably represented by Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdusalam, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division/Land Component Commanding, JTF, South -South operation, said the theme of the media chats underscores the crucial role that collaboration between the military and media play in safeguarding national security.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja noted that “the Nigeria Army recognises the enormous impact of the media as a vital link between the military and the public in providing essential information, shaping public option, and holding institutions accountable.”
He maintained that “the Nigerian Army is aware of the complexity and difficulties presented by the current security landscape in the nation adding that urgency to address security challenges has necessitated the re-strategiaing and rejigging to curtail challenges.
He said ” it is crucial to emphasize that the actions of non-state actors aiming to undermine the security welfare and overall properity of our country would be significantly diminished and almost non-existent without the collaboration of certain unpatriotic and unscrupulous individuals within our society”
He continued ” in this regard, the unprovoked killing of some of our troops carrying out their constitutional assignments in Okuama. Community of Delta State comes to mind”
” The dastardly act was executed in the most barbaric and cruel manner which is unacceptable and condemnable”.
Lagbaja however, tasked the media to refrain from inadvertently amplifying the activities of these undesirable elements: terrorist, insurgents, and other deviant group thrive bon attention and exploit propaganda to instill fear in law abiding citizens.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja assured that the Nigeria Army will continue to remain focused and committed to their constitutional mandate despite the challenges and call on Nigerians to continue to support the Army as it carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugboin said the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat, is designed to disseminate the military activities to the public and fostering mutual understanding by engaging the media.
He added that the partnership between the Army and the media would enable better understanding of security challenge among the public by providing insights into impact of military operations.
While appreciating the COAS for his support, he urged all stakeholders to leverage on the opportunity to ensure actionable solutions and strengthen already existing collaboration
Also speaking at the media chat, the commissioner for information, Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuaza said the first quarter 2024 Media chat being organised by the Nigeria Army to achieve Civil-Military cooperation was commendable and should be applauded.
Osuaza added that the Nigeria Army understands the crucial importances of establishing and nurturing positive relationships with civil population towards building and achieving the all-important civil-military understanding.
The commissioner however, believe the relationship will help a great deal to expose the people the importance of professional group whose job function is well defined to engender and support growth of societal peace as well as secure defence of territorial integrity of Nigeria against external aggression.
The commissioner totally condemned the killing of the military men at Okuama and urged both parties to make the partnership a continuously robust one and an enduring relationship for upward growth of the Nigeria Military.
The Special Guest of Honour, Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Ndace, before declaring the event open, said the Military and the media had indispensable roles in addressing national security.
“With our loyalty and patriotism, we can achieve a stable Nigeria.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the discussions today will further strengthen our partnership with the Nigerian Army, paving way for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
“I am positive that with a robust millitary-media partnership, the national security objectives would be attained. This is in addition to the contributions of all other elements of national power,” Ndace said.
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