The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on the Nigerian media to uphold national interest and security while exercising press freedom and the urgency to break news quickly.
During the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation media chat for the second quarter of 2024, held in Kano, General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, represented the COAS and expressed gratitude to the media for their collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
He emphasized the need to strike a balance between press freedom and national security interests, as well as the public’s right to information.
Saraso highlighted the media’s crucial role in shaping public opinion, informing citizens, and promoting transparency in governance.
He stated, “The media serves as a bridge between the military and the citizens, ensuring accountability and maintaining a healthy relationship based on mutual trust and understanding.”
While the Nigerian Army has made significant progress in enhancing communication and engagement with the media, Saraso acknowledged the remaining work and challenges to be addressed.
He stressed the importance of the media adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, impartiality, and patriotism to ensure that their reports positively contribute to national security objectives.
Saraso added, “This Media Chat demonstrates our unwavering commitment to transparent and effective communication between the Nigerian Army and media practitioners.”
He urged the media to refrain from spreading fake news or inflammatory content that could undermine national unity and security.
Furthermore, Saraso reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving media access to their operations within the boundaries of operational security. He emphasized the need for accurate reporting to build trust between the Army and the civilian population.
As the special guest of honor, Victoria Ajayi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Television Continental Communications, emphasized the importance of effective civil-military cooperation in the face of evolving security threats and dynamic information landscapes.
She stated, “The Nigerian Army stands as a stronghold of our national defense, tasked with ensuring the safety and security of our people amidst multifaceted security challenges.”
Ajayi added, “In this endeavor, 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.”
