The Nigerian Army, as part of efforts at addressing insecurity through collaboration as well as accurate and timely information dessimination in a joint environment, engaged Media Executives in a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Media Chat organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs in Lagos. The Media Chat was aimed at bolstering relationship between the Media and the Nigerian Army as well as Showcasing the achievements of the Army along the Non-Kinetic lines of it’s operations. It was also to inform communication experts on the COAS Special Civil Military Cooperation Intervention Projects aimed at endearing Army officers to their communities and winning the hearts and minds of the civil populace in communities where military operations are been conducted.
The Special Guest of Honour at the occasion was the Chief of Army Staff, who was ably represented by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Ajunwa. Maj Gen Ajunwa disclosed that the Media Chat is apt as it emphasizes the importance of the critical roles of the Media in keeping the citizenry abreast with the activities of the Nigerian Army along Non-Kinetic lines of operations. He added that the Media Chat, would no doubt provide an avenue for the Department of Civil-Military Affairs to engage Media Executives in order to chart new ways for a more mutually benefitting relationship between Nigerian Army and the Media as well as improving media reportage for enhancement of the Nigerian Army Operations.
The Guest Speaker at the occasion, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd) delivered a lecture titled: “The Role of the Media in Enhancing Civil-Military Cooperation in a Joint Environment”. He discussed the importance of cooperation between the Media and the Nigerian Army. He further highlighted the issues, challenges and the way forward for effective Media – Military Cooperation before rounding off with the place of the Media in enhancing effective Communication of CIMIC Efforts in a joint environment. He, therefore, charged the media to always verify sources of information before passing such information to the public domain, adding that, doing otherwise could jeopardise Military operations and by extention national security.
*During the interactive session, thought-provoking issues were raised by the panel of discussants and participants. The issues raised include the effects of citizen journalists on Military Operations, the importance of prompt response to journalist inquiries to beat deadlines, and the need for responsible journalism in reportage amongst others.
Present at the occasion were Gbenga Arulegba of the AIT, Babajide Kolade Otitoloju of TVC and Mrs Morayo Afolabi Brown of TVC amongst other Media Executives. The Comdt Nigerian Army Ordnance School, Maj Gen AM Alabi, Dy Comdt NAFRC Maj Gen EPA Undiandeye, Director Defence Information, Maj Gen OJ Akpor, Director CMA Maj Gen AI Taiwo and Comd 9 Bde Nigerian Army as well as the Comdt Nigerian Army School of Public Relations Brig Gen Achagwugba were amongst senior military officers that graced the occasion.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major General Markus Kangye in his welcome remarks said that he was delighted to host rare and unique gathering of very reputable Media Executives present for the Quarterly Media Chat. He stated that the 3rd Edition was unique and timely as it precedes the start of electioneering campaigns, especially as the nation gears towards the 2023 General elections. He noted that the forum no doubt presented an avenue or the Department of Civil-Military Affairs to engage various communication experts for a better understanding in charting a mutually benefitting relationship. He added that Nigerian Army personnel would continue to act professionally in accordance with the rules of engagements and codes of conduct for Internal Security Operations.
