Chief of Army Staff Urges Media to Prioritize Accuracy, Fairness in Reporting Army Activities
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on media practitioners to uphold accuracy and fairness in their reportage of Nigerian Army activities.
He made the appeal during the Fourth Quarter Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Media Chat held in Enugu.
This was contained in a statement by
Lieutenant Colonel, Ikechukwu Stephen Eze, Acting Director, Information Management
Army Headquarters, Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
Represented by Major General Hassan Taiwo, General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, the COAS emphasized the crucial role of the media as a bridge between the military and the public.
He noted that enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Army would promote positive public understanding, build trust, and contribute to national progress.
The COAS reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and safeguarding their civil liberties, while urging media professionals to avoid disseminating misinformation or content that could compromise national security.
The Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian Newspapers, Mr Toke Alex-Ibru, who was the Special Guest of Honour, stressed the importance of positive narratives and collaborative communication in shaping public perception and countering misinformation.
He highlighted that while some individuals within the media may pursue parochial agendas without regard for national security, the military’s openness and accessibility would ensure the dissemination of accurate information.
According to Mr Alex-Ibru, misinformation thrives in the absence of credible information, underscoring the need for transparency.
In his welcome remarks, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), noted that while the media is expected to maintain professionalism and responsiveness, the Nigerian Army remains dedicated to providing accurate information to deepen collaboration with the media without compromising national security.
He emphasized that mutual respect, transparency, and ethical journalism are essential for fostering public support and addressing security challenges, thereby safeguarding national values and prosperity.
The event, themed “Military and Media Relationship: A Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development,” concluded with an interactive session led by Major General Ugbo, where participants addressed public concerns.
Two insightful lectures were also delivered: “Enhancing National Security through a Whole-of-Society Approach: Effective Information Management Perspectives” and “Strategic Information Management: The Role of the Media in Enhancing National Security in Nigeria.”
