Nigerian Military Assures Media of Increased Synergy, Charges Media on Positive Reportage

Media in Nigeria have been assured of good working relationship and synergy in order for them to carry out their duties more effectively and produce the desired result for a better and more peaceful society.

This assurance came from the Nigerian Army through its Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu at a three-day Media Workshop with the theme “Conflict Sensitive Communication, Patriotism and Positive Media Reportage in a Joint Environment” which started today Monday 30th May, 2022 at the Maxwell Cantonment Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos, Plateau State.

The Workshop which is the brainchild of the Directorate of Army Public Relations brought together Public Relation Experts, Military Information Officers (MIOs) across Nigeria and Public Relation Officers of other security and paramilitary agencies.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu hinted that the engagement is aimed at updating and widening the horizons of Officers of the Directorate of Army Public Relations on contemporary issues affecting the Nigerian Army Media Operations in Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations.

According to him, the workshop will be anchored on issues that will foster mutual trust and understanding between the Nigerian Army, the Media and the rest of the society, as well as enhance the capacity and proficiency of Military personnel.
He further disclosed that the workshop also providing a veritable opportunity for the Army Personnel, Media Practitioners and other critical stakeholders to interact, explore and brainstorm on topical issues in public relation, media operations and information management.
“This workshop will further provide us an opportunity to discuss problems of common interest with a view to proffering solutions that would be beneficial to the directorate and indeed the Nigerian Army” he posited.
Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu decried how the Nation is being confronted with contemporary security challenges saying surmounting these challenges require unflinching public support, patriotism from the Citizens and the media, seamless synergy and cooperation among security agencies and understanding from all stakeholders.
“Additionally, the non-kinetic line of operations, of which information operations is vital aspect, plays a critical role in the mitigation of these challenges” he said.
He lauded the support accorded the Directorate of Army Public Relations by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya who he said is imbued with thorough understanding and knowledge of the importance of training and effective information management to Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations.
He promised to justify the untiring support with optimal performance. He said the Military will continue to support the vision of the Chief of Army Staff which is to have “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Mission Within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria”

He said the Military is very much aware of the critical roles played by the Media and will continue to synergize with the Media for better results.

In his opening remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division who also doubles as the Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali said the workshop provides a veritable platform for special interaction between officers of the directorate and seasoned media and information Experts.
He expressed optimism that the workshop will enhance the capacity of participants in order to create an understanding to sustain favorable image between the Nigerian Army and the public.
He said the workshop is timely and necessary considering the mirage of security challenges the confronting the Nation hence the need for proper and effective media handling in order to achieve the objective of a united, secured and peaceful Country.
He harped on the need for the media to be responsive and patriotic on issues relating to National security.

In his keynote address, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade charged participants to make patriotism their watch word and make it a collective duty to work towards achieving a more peaceful Nation.
He said he is confident that the workshop will provide the platform for professional interaction between the Officers and Soldiers as well as Media Professionals to discuss contemporary security challenges.
He said the need for synergy between the security agencies and media cannot be overstressed.

The workshop had paper presentation on “Enhancing National Security Through Effective Cris Communication in a Joint Environment” by Hon. Dan Manjang the Plateau State Commissioner of Information and Communication and also “Media Relationship Management in Peace and Conflict Situation: Strategies and Techniques” by Dr. Barnabas Gbam the Rector NTA TV College Jos.
There was interactive session after each paper presentation with Mr. Peter Ochigbo, Pedro Omobolaji, Brig. Gen. KA Kazir and Hon. Samuel Aruwan the Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs.

Former Director of Army Public Relations and a Media Experts, Brig. Gen. Sani Kuka Umar (Rtd) called for greater synergy and healthy working relationship between the Military and Media, saying they should be seen as partners in progress if a secured and safer Nation is to be achieved. He harped on the need for effective communication between the military, media and the public which according to him is key.