By ZAKAA LAZARUS
In a move to deepen cooperation between the security sector and the media, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have pledged to strengthen their partnership to promote accurate and responsible reporting on national security issues while enhancing public confidence through effective communication.
The renewed commitment followed a courtesy visit by the DECAN leadership, led by its President, Chief Odita Sunday, to the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Dr. Chido Onumah, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The visit formed part of DECAN’s ongoing engagement with key institutions in the defence and security sector aimed at deepening collaboration and promoting informed public communication on national security matters.
Speaking during the visit, Odita thanked Dr. Onumah for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to supporting the Office of the National Security Adviser through professional, factual and balanced reportage.
He called for greater access to official activities, specialised training for defence correspondents, the establishment of a dedicated media centre and increased inclusion of journalists who regularly cover the ONSA in official engagements.
“DECAN is ready to partner with your office to ensure the activities of the ONSA receive the publicity they deserve. Our members are committed to promoting factual reporting that projects the positive image of our country,” he said.
Odita said reporters who cover the ONSA daily should be given opportunities to participate in official engagements alongside their editors to enable more informed and in-depth reporting.
To improve media operations while preserving security at the ONSA complex, he proposed establishing a dedicated press centre outside the facility where journalists could conveniently interact with officials.
He also urged the ONSA to facilitate continuous professional development for defence correspondents, particularly in emerging security threats, intelligence reporting and other evolving aspects of national security.
As part of DECAN’s efforts to enrich public discourse on defence and security issues, Odita disclosed that the association would launch its quarterly publication, The Defence Correspondent, in October 2026.
In his response, Dr. Onumah commended the DECAN leadership for the visit and acknowledged the critical role defence correspondents play in enhancing public understanding of national security issues.
He assured the delegation that their requests would be presented to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for consideration.
Dr. Onumah also stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for journalists covering the security sector, noting that well-trained reporters contribute significantly to national security through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
“Training will better position defence correspondents to report security issues with greater understanding, professionalism and responsibility,” he said.
He assured that the Office of the ONSA would continue to work closely with the media to ensure timely, accurate and effective communication of national security issues to the public.
