The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has highlighted the significant role of the media in national security and asserted that “their pens are mightier than the gun.”
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat for First Quarter of 2025 at the Custodian Hotel in Gombe, Oluyede, who was represented by Corps Commander Armour, Maj. Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, highlighted the need for military-media synergy for improved national security and stability.
He called on media professionals to exercise accuracy, fairness, and responsibility in reporting military activities, reconciling national security with the people’s right to information. He also urged journalists to verify facts before publication to prevent misinformation that could be detrimental to national cohesion.
Oluyede addressed the achievements of the army in recent years, including the rescue of abducted Nigerians and the re-opening of socio-economic activities in conflict areas.
Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. G.U. Chibuisi, told the media that the media chat quarterly was aimed at having more collaboration between the army and media in positive reporting, transparency, and respect for one another.
Ali Muhammed Ali, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Managing Director and chairman of the event, echoed the cry for trust and openness, mentioning enhanced media-military relations as contributing to a more prosperous and safer Nigeria.
