By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has called for stronger institutional collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, urging greater opportunities for journalists to be embedded in naval operations, exercises and strategic maritime engagements to enhance accurate and informed security reporting.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the newly elected DECAN executive members to the Directorate of Naval Information in Abuja.
Leading the delegation, DECAN President, Odita Sunday, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between defence correspondents and the Nigerian Navy while deepening cooperation in national security communication.
Odita said defence correspondents play a vital role in bridging the information gap between the military and the public, noting that many of the Navy’s operational achievements often receive limited attention because journalists have insufficient access to military activities.
He urged the Navy to sustain and expand journalist-embedding programmes, particularly for Abuja-based correspondents, stressing that such opportunities provided first-hand insight into the realities and challenges faced by military personnel during operations.
Drawing from his personal experience, he recalled participating in several naval and multinational exercises, including Exercise Farauta, Exercise Prosperity in the Benin Republic, Obangame Express and naval vessel reception missions.
“These exposures have helped me appreciate the military more because I have seen what they go through. It becomes easier to report accurately and responsibly when you understand the realities on the ground,” he said.
Responding, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, congratulated the newly elected DECAN executives and described defence correspondents as indispensable partners in shaping public understanding of military operations.
He commended their professionalism and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a productive working relationship with the media.
Folorunsho noted that the Navy had previously embedded journalists in maritime exercises and multinational operations, and acknowledged concerns about broader participation.
He assured that efforts would be made to improve inclusiveness, especially as the Navy prepares for upcoming regional maritime engagements involving several West African countries.
Folorunsho also disclosed plans to strengthen informal engagement with journalists through periodic interactions and encouraged reporters to seek clarification whenever concerns arise. :
