By Abdullahi Alhassan
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja has restated the Army’s commitment to embedding journalists and stakeholders in low risk military operational activities to enhance civil-military relations in the country.
He stated this at an International Conference organised by the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University zaria, Northwest Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the Commander, 41 Engineering Brigade, Brig. Gen. Moyo Akinojo emphasised the need to prioritize training for journalists in conflict reporting to ensure accurate presentation.
He said that the training was also essential in winning the trust, belief and confidence of the populace.
Lagbaja noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have a clear understanding of the profound impact the media narratives have on military operations and socio-economic fabric of Nigeria.
He therefore called on the media to avoid sensational reportage in the interest of security and national development.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Professor kabiru Bala, while commending the Department for organising the conference, urged other departments not to relent in organising such events to foster intellectual discourse for national development.
Also Speaking, the Head of Department, Mass communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Dr. Adama Adamu noted that for close to two decades, Nigeria was confronted with insecurity in many parts of the country.
She said the challenges include proliferations of misinformation and fake news, extremists ideologies and erosion of public trust from traditional media institutions.
Dr Adama said the conference therefore offers unique opportunities to look into the challenges with a view to proffering solutions and recommendations.
The International conference with the theme Media, insecurity and Development Issues, challenges and the way forward, was chaired by the Director-General, Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Alhaji Salihu Dembos with over 200 local and international participants.
