The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Thursday, emphasized the importance of a close relationship between the military and the media in Nigeria......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
Speaking at a symposium organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State council, Musa noted that both institutions serve critical functions in national development and stability.
The CDS was represented at the event by Brigadier General Mohammed Kanah, One Div. Garrison Commander.
The symposium was titled, “The future of journalism practice in Nigeria; challenges and prospects”.
Musa said, “the relationship between the military and the media cannot be overstated, as both institutions serve critical functions in national development and stability,”
“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. While the military is tasked with protecting our national sovereignty and maintaining law and order, the media serves as the watchdog of society, ensuring accountability and transparency.”
Musa stressed that the interface between the military and the media has often been fraught with challenges, stemming from issues of misinformation, sensationalism, and a lack of trust.
“However, the interface between these two institutions has often been fraught with challenges, stemming from issues of misinformation, sensationalism, and a lack of trust. It is therefore imperative that we foster a more dynamic and collaborative relationship that ensures responsible reporting while safeguarding national security interests,” Musa said.
He emphasized the need for continuous engagement, capacity-building, and mutual respect between the military and the media.
“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,” Musa said.
In his address, the Special Guest of Honour, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Professor Bello Ayuba, urged professional journalists to devise ways of purging the social media space of misinformation for a better society.
“The social media space has opened up for all manner of people, polluting the situation with half-truths and insensitive materials that are masquerading around as sound information. I urge you to devise ways of purging the social media space of misinformation for a better society,” Sani said.
He noted that the misinformation on social media has become a challenge for journalism, advising that journalists should not remain passive, but offer a way out of the mess and redirect public discourse anchored on practice and ethics of journalism profession.
“The NUJ commendably has been a worthy partner praising our efforts where such praises are merited and as well pointing out our flaws with appropriate suggestions on the way forward. We pray that the partnership continues in the overall interest of the people of Kaduna State,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of NUJ, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, said the symposium was put together by the council to build capacity of its members in the practice of their profession, adding that the topic ‘Future of Journalism practice; challenges and prospects’ was carefully selected to prepare journalists ahead.
The symposium was attended by journalists, military personnel, and other stakeholders in the media and security sectors.