The Nigerian Army has urged the media to enlighten and educate the public about government operations and patriotic duties in order to play a critical role in bolstering national security efforts. On September 26, 2024, in Makurdi, at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat for the Third Quarter of 2024, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (NAM), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), made this call.
With Major General Hilary Nzan representing 4 Special Forces Command, the COAS emphasized the media’s crucial role in influencing public opinion, stating that “the Nigerian Army’s strongest allies in its quest for national security are those who influence the minds of citizens, particularly the media.” He went on to say that encouraging patriotic citizenship and aiding the military in maintaining national security depend on an informed populace.
The Nigerian Army and the media must work together, as the event’s title, “The Media and the Military: Allies in Pursuit of National Security,” emphasizes. Media professionals should actively engage in teaching the public about their roles in the joint endeavor to handle Nigeria’s security concerns, according to General Lagbaja’s advice. He underlined that in order for citizens to comprehend their roles in the “whole-of-nation approach” to national security, public education is crucial.
The Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic efforts to reduce insecurity were praised by Chief Nduka Obiagbena, Chairman and CEO of Arise Television and THISDAY Newspaper, during his speech as the Special Guest of Honor. He pointed out that by acknowledging both as essential pillars in preserving national security, the Media Chat was a big step in encouraging collaboration between the Army and the media. “The Army and the media have crucial roles to play in ensuring a secure and stable nation,” Chief Obiagbena stated, advising attendees to take full advantage of the opportunity to engage with one another and share their knowledge.
Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA) Major General Nosakhare Ugbo emphasized in his welcoming speech the importance of a strong alliance between the media and the armed forces in order to achieve successful Civil-Military Cooperation. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army is dedicated to fostering connections that promote unity and understanding through various intervention projects, in addition to its constitutional obligations. He continued by saying that the Army uses Media Chats as a forum to deepen its ties with the media, raise public awareness, and foster the collaboration and trust that are essential for both prosperity and national security.
Dr. Mrs. Shimenenge Mary Yvonne Atime, a prominent lecturer at Benue State University, and retired Major General JA Ataguba both gave lectures during the event. The significance of utilizing media resources for national security was the subject of the topics “Enhancing Military-Media Relations for National Security and Development” and “Harnessing the Power of the Media for Enhanced National Security and Development.”
Top military officers attended the media chat, including the commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, Brigadier General LG Lepdung, heads of security agencies, Major General AG Audu, Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade, and Brigadier General A Rabiu, Commander of Joint Taskforce Operation WHIRL STROKE. A group photo, certificate presentations, and interactive sessions marked the event’s conclusion, which was another step toward tighter Army-media cooperation for national security.
