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Strengthening Trust, Securing the Nation: Nigerian Army and Media Forge Strategic Alliance for National Development
Civil-Military Media Chat in Akure Charts Path for Deeper Collaboration in Nigeria’s Security Architecture
In a landmark step toward fostering national unity and sustainable development, the Nigerian Army and the media have reaffirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation as vital partners in the pursuit of national security. This renewed alliance was the focus of the second edition of the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Media Chat, held in Akure, Ondo State.
Bringing together top military officials, media professionals, academics, and policy stakeholders, the high-level engagement spotlighted the need for responsible communication and strategic information-sharing as tools for national stability.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Gold Chibuisi, underscored the pivotal role the media plays in shaping public perception and safeguarding societal trust. He called on journalists to uphold professionalism by avoiding sensationalism, misinformation, and disinformation—urging instead for narratives that foster peace and national cohesion.
“The media is not just a watchdog; it is a vital partner in our collective security journey,” General Chibuisi stated. “Our doors remain open for transparent, timely, and accurate communication. Together, we must craft narratives that inspire trust and resilience.”
Themed “Military-Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development”, the event emphasized the transformative potential of synergy between military institutions and the media in advancing Nigeria’s security agenda.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, which echoed this sentiment, stressing the indispensable role of the media in informing the public about military operations and government initiatives. He reaffirmed the Army’s readiness to deepen transparency and media access, ensuring the Nigerian public remains engaged and informed.
Discussions at the forum ranged from combating fake news to building institutional trust and enhancing the media’s capacity to report ethically on sensitive national issues. Notable contributions included remarks from Dr. Ade-Johnson, Head of the Mass Communication Department at Adekunle Ajasin University, who championed a multi-stakeholder model in shaping national policy and strengthening public trust.
“The media is not a spectator in national security,” Dr. Ade-Johnson noted. “It is a co-architect of the public consciousness and a mirror through which governance is understood and assessed.”
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex security challenges, stakeholders at the forum unanimously called for sustained military-media dialogue as a cornerstone for national unity, transparency, and informed citizenry.
This collaborative approach, built on mutual respect and shared responsibility, signals a new era of civil-military engagement—one where strategic communication becomes a tool for peacebuilding, nation-building, and enduring development.