By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information in Delta State, has praised the Nigerian Army for its proactive approach in fostering collaboration with the media.
His commendation came during the Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Media Chat, first Quarter 2024, held at Bon Asaba on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
The inaugural event, orchestrated by the Army Headquarters’ Department of Civil-Military Affairs, marked a significant step toward enhancing civil-military cooperation in Nigeria.
Speaking as a Special Guest of Honour, he emphasised the importance of such initiatives in promoting the country’s interests.
He highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion and facilitating transparency, especially against the backdrop of Nigeria’s security challenges.
Dr. Osuoza stated that the collaboration between the military and the media should assume paramount importance, aligning with constitutional provisions safeguarding press freedom and emphasizing accountability.
Acknowledging the media’s role as a conduit for information dissemination, the commissioner stressed that the partnership would help bridge the gap between the military and civilians, promoting understanding and trust.
He urged both the military and the media to commit to nurturing this partnership, emphasizing its potential to enhance security awareness and promote national objectives.
On his part, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, media, called on the media to refrain from amplifying the activities of non-state actors whose agenda is to destabilize Nigeria’s security, well-being, and integrity.
Lt Gen Lagbaja emphasized the critical role that collaboration between the media and the military plays in safeguarding national security. He stressed that the media chat is aimed at facilitating the exchange of valuable information and ideas between the military and journalists.
The event also featured lectures on enhancing national security through military-media engagements and promoting military-media trust for enhanced public support toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. These were delivered by Maj Gen Olusegun Adeleke (Rtd) and Prof Godwin Oboh, respectively.
The ceremony was attended by other dignitaries, including the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Meanwhile, the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH) and Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Ndace, who expressed optimism that a robust military-media partnership would enhance the realisation of the national security objectives.
Others who spoke at the ceremony include the Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Dembos, represented by the General Manager (Asaba), Mr Patrick Iro, and the General Manager of the Delta Broadcasting Service (Asaba), Mrs Christiana Emetulu.
