Military woos media, prominent citizens to defeat insecurity

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has sought cooperation of editors to defeat the insecurity ravaging parts of the federation.

Irabor, who met with the media executives at a roundtable yesterday in Abuja, tagged, “Role of Media Executives and Editors in National Security and Conflict Sensitive Communication,” said the meeting was triggered by the fact that both the military and the press were working towards a common cause of freedom and liberty.

He noted that the engagement, which was long overdue, would help the military and the media to be on the same page in nation building.

The Director, Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, said the CDS considers media executives as most worthy to interface with, considering their standing in the society.

He stressed that the media has a cardinal role to play in advancing the cause of national security.

Akpor said the leadership of the Armed Forces views media executives, editors and bureau chiefs as critical stakeholders.

The spokesperson noted that the parley was conceptualised to build sustainable trust and confidence, as the military conducts its operations and engagements.

Akpor held that the society approach, which the CDS has continued to advocate, “is a sure way to go in overcoming the various forms of security challenges confronting our nation.”

He said with the collaboration between the military and the media, both parties, would henceforth, be on the same page in matters of defence and national security.

Media Consultant to the Nigerian defence and Chief Executive Officer of The Media Today (TMT), Charles Odenigbo, said the partnership would mark a new beginning for military and media relationship in Nigeria.

He said a roadmap would be developed for a clear understanding of the roles of the media in national security matters and sensitive conflict communication.

Odenigbo added that editors would have to contend with the code of ethics of the Armed Forces for fruitful ties

ALSO, the Chief of Army Staff (CAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, yesterday, visited Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, as part of efforts to improve security in the country.

Speaking at the Government House, Kano, Yahaya stated that he was in the state on a working visit to 3 Brigade Kano and Nigerian Army Battle Fitness Centre (NABFC) Falgore, where the ongoing 82 regular recruit intake screening into the Nigerian Army was being conducted.