From Femi Mustapha and Divine Macaulay, in Kaduna
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS),
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has said that 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.
He said this during his remarks at the maiden symposium organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council with a theme, “The Nature of Journalism Practice in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.” held in Kaduna today (Thursday).
According to him, while the military is tasked with protecting national sovereignty and maintaining law and order, the media serves as the watchdog of society, ensuring accountability and transparency.
He, however, expressed dismay that the interface between these 2 institutions has often been fraught with challenges, stemming from issues of misinformation, sensationalism, and a lack of trust.
General Musa, therefore, said the two must foster a more dynamic and collaborative relationship that ensures responsible reporting while safeguarding national security interests.
“To achieve this synergy, there is a need for continuous engagement, capacity-building, and mutual respect between the military and the media.
“The media must be empowered with accurate and timely information to counter false narratives that may undermine national security. Likewise, the military must 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 2 entities.”
The CDS, who was represented by 1 Div Garrison Commander, Brig General Mohammed Kana, stressed that 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.
He opined that as security challenges continue to evolve, so must the 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. Thank you and may we all continue to serve Nigeria with dedication and integrity.”
Similarly, Kaduna State Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, tasked the journalists to tackle the spread of fake news in Nigeria.
The Governor noted with concern that the social media atmosphere is polluted
with fake news, half-truths, and insensitive materials that are masquerading around as sound information.
Uba Sani who was represented by his Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Prof. Bello Ayuba, said, “The situation today is that the social media space has opened up for all manner of people with the result that the atmosphere is polluted with fake, half-truths and insensitive materials that are masquerading around as sound information.
“Therein lies the challenge for journalism. Do we remain passive as charlatans assail public sensibilities with their version of what the public ought to know or do we offer a way out of the mess and redirect public discourse firmly anchored on the practice and ethics of journalism?
“I believe we should devise ways of sorting out the grain of authentic information from the chaff if we are to save society from the deluge of misinformation that’s threatening to misdirect the public.
“It is gratifying that journalists themselves are at the forefront of reshaping public thinking on the new media evident in the event we have today”.
Earlier in his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Kaduna Council, Comrade AbdulGafar Alabelewe, tasked journalists with the ethics of journalism.
He disclosed that the symposium is one of his campaign promises to upgrade the capacity of the Journalists.
According to him, the world is becoming more dynamic, and journalists cannot afford to be left behind. He charged the Journalists on balance report in their reportage
