The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on the Nigerian media to ensure that national interest and security are not compromised under the guise of press freedom and the urgency to break news first.
He made this assertion on Thursday during the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation media chat for the second quarter of 2024.
The event, held in Kano, was themed “Synergizing Civil-Military Cooperation for National Security Focus on Nigerian Army-Media Relation.”
Representing the COAS, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, expressed gratitude to the media for their partnership with the Nigerian Army.
He emphasized the importance of balancing press freedom with national security interests and the public’s right to information.
Saraso highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion, informing citizens, and fostering transparency in governance.
He stated, “The media serves as the bridge that connects the military to the citizens, ensuring accountability, and maintaining a healthy relationship based on mutual trust and understanding.”
Over the years, the Nigerian Army has made significant progress in enhancing its communication and engagement with the media.
However, Saraso acknowledged that there is still work to be done and challenges to address.
He stressed the importance of the media upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, impartiality, and patriotism to ensure that their reports contribute positively to national security objectives.
Saraso added, “This Media Chat signifies our unwavering dedication to transparent and effective communication between the Nigerian Army and media practitioners.”
He urged the media to avoid disseminating fake news or inflammatory content that could undermine national unity and security.
He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving media access to their operations within the bounds of operational security, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting to build trust between the Army and the civil population.
Speaking as the special guest of honour, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Television Continental Communications, Victoria Ajayi, emphasized the importance of effective civil-military cooperation in an era characterized by evolving security threats and dynamic information landscapes.
She stated, “The Nigerian Army stands as a fortification of our national defence, tasked with ensuring the safety and security of our people in the face of multifaceted security challenges.”
Ajayi added, “In this endeavour, the role of the media emerges as indispensable, serving as a channel through which information flows between the military and civilians, fostering transparency, understanding, and mutual trust.”
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