Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), says the synergy between the military and the media is more crucial than ever before in this era of security challenges facing the country.
The CDS stated this on Thursday at a symposium organised by the Kaduna State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Musa who was represented at the event by Mohammed Kanah, Garrison Commander, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, noted that both the media and the military institutions serve critical functions in national development and stability.
He said, “The relationship between the military and the media, therefore, cannot be overstated, as both institutions serve critical functions in national development and stability.
“The need for synergy between the military and the media has never been more pressing than in this era of asymmetric warfare, insurgency, and evolving security threats.
“While the military is tasked with protecting our national sovereignty and maintaining law and order, the media serves as the watchdog of society, ensuring accountability and transparency.”
He regretted however that, “the interface between the two institutions has often been fraught with challenges, stemming from issues of misinformation, sensationalism and a lack of trust.”
The CDS said, “it is imperative that we foster a more dynamic and collaborative relationship that ensures responsible reporting while safeguarding national security interests.”
Musa said, to achieve this synergy, there is need for continuous engagement, capacity-building, and mutual respect between the military and the media.
He said the media must be empowered with accurate and timely information to counter false narratives that may undermine national security.
The CDS added that the military must also appreciate the crucial role of the media in nation-building and adopt a more open and transparent communication approach.
“Establishing structured communication channels, conducting regular workshops, and enhancing media literacy within the security sector will go a long way in bridging the gap and fostering trust between these two entities.
“It is noteworthy that journalism in Nigeria depends largely on its adaptability to modern challenges and its ability to collaborate with key national institutions, including the military.
“As security challenges continue to evolve, so must our approach to media-military relations.
“I urge journalists and security operatives to work together in the spirit of patriotism, professionalism, and national interest.
“A well-informed public, guided by accurate and responsible journalism, will ultimately contribute to a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“Let us, therefore, commit to strengthening this partnership for the collective good of our nation,” the CDS said.
In his remarks at the symposium titled, “The future of journalism practice in Nigeria; challenges and prospects,” Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna state, urged professional journalists to device ways of purging the social media space of misinformation for a better society.
The governor, who was represented by Bello Ayuba, Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the governor, noted that all manner of people are polluting the social media space with half-truths and insensitive materials that are masquerading around as sound information.
He said the misinformation on social media has become a challenge for journalism, and urged journalists not to remain passive, but offer a way out of the mess and redirect public discourse anchored on practice and ethics of the journalism profession.
