By Deborah Coker
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede says responsible journalism is necessary for national security.
Oluyede said this on Tuesday in his goodwill message at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT press week 2026 lecture and award ceremony.
Represented by the Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the CDS said that in this digital age where a single tweet could travel faster than a battalion, the ethical responsibility of the press had never been greater.
“I urge you therefore to continue to verify before your publish, prioritise national interest without sacrificing the truth, and give voice to the sacrifices of our troops who stand in harm’s way so that others may live in peace,” he said.
Oluyede noted that the theme of the press week “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation” was both timely and significant.
He said that this was considering the complex security and information environment the nation operated today.
According to him, the media remains a critical pillar of our democracy and a vital instrument for national cohesion, public enlightenment and accountability.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to safeguarding lives and property of all citizens, inline with with our constitutional mandate.
“In pursuit of this duty across various theatres of operation, we have come to recognise, more than ever, that the press is a partner to the military in the collective effort to build a safe, stable and prosperous Nigeria.
“This partnership is not of convenience, but of necessity. While the military secures the physical space, the media shapes the information space.
“The narratives you project influence public perception, troop morale, and even the strategic outcomes of operations.”
He urged journalists when reporting to be factual, balance, and conflict-sensitive to deny oxygen to terrorism, banditry and disinformation in order to build trust between the armed forces and Nigerians they are serving.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)