By ZAKAA LAZARUS
In a bid to foster effective Military Media Relations and enhance collaboration between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the media, the Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs (AHQ DCMA), has conducted its Second Quarter Media Chat 2025, at Bon Hotel Akure, Ondo State, on 21 June 2025. The theme of the Media Chat was “*Military – Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development* .”
Speaking during the event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, emphasized the critical role of the media in ensuring that the public is well informed on the activities of the government and its agencies which includes the NA. He also noted that modern military operations requires the buy-in and support of the entire nation; adding that the media remains a viable tool for mobilizing such support.
The COAS, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, further noted that the combined efforts of the NA and the media must highlight initiatives that foster a positive image of our country, promote nation building and development, as well as guarantee national security.
General Oluyede, further appreciated the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the NA, while noting that the NA has intensified its operations across the country with tailored strategies to handle the unique threats in each region.
Welcoming participants at the event, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Gold Chibuisi, stated that the NA is committed to safeguarding our nation and also fostering relationships that promote understanding and unity among Nigerians. He reiterated that the Media Chat is part of the non- kinetic approaches adopted by the NA in discharging its constitutional responsibilities, acknowledging the vital roles the media plays in molding perception.
The CCMA further urged media stakeholders to uphold credible and ethical reporting, while mitigating sensationalism, disinformation and misinformation, which are capable of eroding public trust, as well as undermining national security.
Guest Speakers at the event, include the Executive Director, Armed Forces Radio Abuja, Colonel Timothy Antigha (Rtd) and the Head of Department Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akumgba Akoko, Dr (Mrs) Christina Ade-Johnson. They spoke on “*Enhancing Information for National Security and Development: Nigerian Military Operations in Perspective* ” and “*Effective Information Management and National Security: Focus on Multi – Stakeholders Approach* ” respectively.
Present at the event as discussants were, former Director, Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), and former Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier General Kukasheka Usman (Rtd). Media stakeholders both within and outside Ondo State, and heads of security agencies within Ondo State graced the occasion.
