By Angela Atabo
Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces have called for continuous collaboration between the military and the media to ensure peace and security across the country.
They made the call at the maiden Press Week organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)-NUJ Headquarters Chapel Abuja.
The week has the theme: “The Place of the Media in Shaping and Sustaining National Value.”
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, commended journalists for their role in amplifying the efforts of the military.
Anele was represented by Maj. Akinola Ajibola, Staff Officer in charge of Public Information, Army Public Relations.
She noted the efforts of the military cannot really be amplified if the media was not there to showcase its activities.
“The army is not known for showcasing its activities publicly, because a lot of their work is done in private.
“But we appreciate the support of the media in amplifying our work; you have done so very well.
“We know that to ensure peace in the country, you don’t divulge all information at your disposal why doing your work as gatekeepers.
“We are grateful. We will keep counting on your support in ensuring that Nigeria progresses because we don’t have any other country,” he said.
The Acting Director, Army PRO, noted that citizens would not be able to gather for events if the country is not safe.
Recalling an experience in Maiduguri in 2016, Anele spoke of the devastating impact of insurgency that made banks not to operate and the efforts of the army to salvage the situation.
“What I am saying is that if we do not fight this insurgency, insurgency will obviously fight us.
“The only way we can keep doing our best is by fighting them and demanding that journalists also project the efforts of the military in good light,” she said.
Anele explained that news from the army might not go out as fast as Nigerians want them especially in cases of attack because they would have to get approval and get all necessary information clearer before releasing them.
“So, journalists should bear with us; we sincerely appreciate your efforts in supporting the Nigerian Army and the nation,” she said.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, commended NAN for packaging the programme.
Ejodame was represented by Sqn.-Ldr Olayinka Lawal, the Assistant Director, Information, Nigerian Air Force.
He described journalists as partners with the force.
He said the force’s work in fighting insurgency is kinetic, which is 25 per cent of efforts, while non-kinetic, which involves members of the public, takes a bulk of 75 per cent.
“So, that is why we keep coming back to the journalists and to Nigerians, for their support.
“I have been in some fora where journalists ask when insurgency will end.
“You should not ask us. Nigerians should ask themselves what they should do for it to end. Like I earlier said, we can only do 25 per cent.
“The fight against insurgency will need the collaboration of all Nigerians and that is why in the last Nigerian Air Force Day celebration, the NAF base was opened to Nigerians to relate with the force,” he said.
Ejodame said the aim was to bring civilians closer to NAF and let them know that the officers are human beings too and are relatable.
“We had an opportunity to open our base, our barracks to Nigerians to come and see us.
“We are part of you. You have family members in the Air Force. So, we are closely knitted.
“We have Gen Zs, we have young Nigerians in the war front, there is a lot happening behind the scenes that we will not see at every time.
“The soldiers in the warfront are people’s children, husbands and relatives who may not have seen their families for six months or a year fighting insurgency.
“So, always support the armed forces through intelligent information and put out a word of prayer for them,” Ejodame said.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Yusuf Yakub, commended NAN for its tireless efforts in promoting responsible journalism and fostering dialogue on issues of national importance.
Yakub was represented by Mrs Olubunmi Ojo, Head of Information and Public Relations, NTAC.
He pointed out that NTAC recognises the media as a partner and as an agency committed to promoting Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy.
He said that the agency projects national values, strengthens international cooperation, and amplifies the country’s image globally through truthful storytelling and civic engagement.
The Editor-in-Chief of NAN, Mr Mufutau Ojo, commended the agency for birthing the press week and the dignitaries for gracing the occasion.
“I want to congratulate the people who put this together, it was a magnificent outing,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chidi Opara
