Nigerian Army Holds Media Chat, Seeks Collaboration With Media To Curb Insecurity

Nigerian Army Holds Media Chat, Seeks Collaboration With Media To Curb Insecurity

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (NAM) has called on the media to play a vital role in ensuring that the public is well-informed and educated about the activities of the government, its agencies including the Nigerian Army (NA) while elucidating the responsibilities of patroitic citizenship.

The Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the Commander 4 Special Forces Command, Major General Hilary Nzan made the call during the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat for Third Quarter 2024 organized by the Nigerian Army Department of Civil-Military Affairs, held in Makurdi on 26 September 2024.

Gen Lagbaja reiterated that it is crucial for all patriotic citizens and stakeholders especially those in the information management sector to actively participate in the collective efforts geared towards a secure and safe nation. He further emphasized that, public education and enlightenment are crucial for citizens to fully understand their roles in the whole-of-nation approach to addressing shared challenges.

The COAS further maintained that the strongest allies the NA has in its quest to ensuring national security are those who influence the minds of citizens, especially the media. He noted that the theme for the Media Chat which is “ The Media and the Military: Allies in Pursuit of National Security” was carefully selected, and aptly highlights the significant roles both the media and the Nigerian Army have to play in safeguarding National Security.

In his Remarks, the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arise Television and THISDAY Newspaper, Chief Nduka Obiagbena acknowledged that the Media Chat was part of the non-kinetic efforts by the Nigerian Army to curb insecurity in the country using improved cooperation and collaboration between the Army and the media. He stated that the Army and the media are two critical pillars in upholding national security.

The SGoH also applauded the leadership of the NA for assembling the crop of distinguished professionals as resource persons and participants. He further urged the participants to engage themselves actively during the interactive sessions and make the best use of knowledge acquired in the field.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Nosakhare Ugbo highlighted that a healthy collaboration with the media is crucial for enhanced Civil-Military cooperation towards national security. The CCMA also made reaveled that the NA, aside carrying out its stated constitutional obligations, is dedicated to building relationships that foster understanding and unity among the general public by carrying out intervention projects. He equally stated that, Media Chats provide an opportunity for the Army to strengthen its engagement with the media, boost public awareness, and build a culture of trust and cooperation which are essential for the security and prosperity of our dear nation.

Two lectures were delivered at the event which were drawn from the topics “Enhancing Military-Media Relations for National Security and Development” and “Harnessing the Power of the Media for Enhanced National Security and Development”. The two lectures were delivered by Maj Gen JA Ataguba (rtd) and Dr Mrs Shimenenge Mary Yvonne A time a senior lecturer at Benue State University Makurdi respectively.

The event has in attendance the Commandant Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, Maj Gen AG Audu, Commander 401 SF Brigade Brig Gen A Rabiu, Commander Joint Taskforce Operation WHIRL STROKE, Brig Gen LG Lepdung, Heads of Security Agencies, State Government officials amongst others.