South East
Army Wants Better Relations With Media, Civilians
Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Isah, GOC, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has called for improved relations between the military and the civil populace.
He made the call recently in Enugu at a three-day training workshop organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations.
Isah said such improved relations had become imperative at a time the army was being reprofessionalised, stressing that the dynamic nature of current conflicts undescored the importance of civil-military relations.
He also emphasised the need for public relations personnel of the Nigerian Army to live up to their responsibilities of shaping and positively projecting its image.
Isah urged media practitioners to use the power of the profession to build a virile nation by upholding the virtues of accuracy and objectivity as well giving due consideration to the issue of national security.
Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, Director, Army Public Relations, had earlier said the directorate had over the years worked to ensure a cordial and harmonious relations between the Nigerian Army and the public.
He said the workshop was aimed at impacting relevant knowledge and skills on officers and soldiers.
Olukolade said the theme of the workshop, “Enhancing Nigerian Army’s Role in National Emergencies and Internal Security Through Effective Public Relations,” was more relevant now than before.
He said it was aimed at enhancing cooperation between the military and other security agencies during joint internal security operations.
“It will also provide an avenue for interaction with the cross section of media representatives to enhance mutual understanding of the peculiarities of covering military activities.
“It is our intention to use the forum to promote reporting of military events with due observation of the principles of accuracy to promote free flow of information on our activities both locally and abroad.” he added.
One of the resource persons, Col. Mormoni Bashir, presented a paper on “The Impact of Media Reporting of Nigerian Army Activities on National Security”.
The paper provoked reactions from participants, who called for improved conflict resolution mechanism in the military as well as a re-orientation of both the media and military personnel.
The workshop was attended by media practitioners, police, NSCDC, customs, immigration, FRSC, NIPR and NEMA personnel as well as public relations officials from different military formations in the Country.