The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has called on media practitioners to uphold factual, balanced, and conflict-sensitive reporting, stressed that responsible journalism can deny terrorists and bandits the “oxygen” they depend on to thrive.
Oluyede made the call on Tuesday through the Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Major General Samaila Uba, during the Press Week lecture and awards ceremony organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Misinformation,” the defence chief described the media as a critical pillar of democracy and an indispensable partner in promoting national unity, public enlightenment, and accountability.
“The media remains a critical pillar of our democracy and a vital instrument for national cohesion, public enlightenment, and accountability,” he said.
General Oluyede noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had come to appreciate the strategic importance of the press in national security efforts, describing the relationship between the military and the media as one of necessity rather than convenience.
“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 military operations,” he stated.
According to him, factual and conflict-sensitive reporting helps to counter terrorism, banditry, and disinformation while strengthening public trust in the military and other state institutions.
“When reporting is factual, balanced, and conflict-sensitive, it denies oxygen to terrorism, banditry, and disinformation. It builds trust between the armed forces and the people we serve,” he added.
The CDS further urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, especially in the digital age where misinformation spreads rapidly across social media platforms.
“In this digital age where a single tweet can travel faster than a battalion, the ethical responsibility of the press has never been greater,” he said.
He encouraged journalists to verify information before publication, prioritise national interest without compromising truth, and highlight the sacrifices of military personnel working to maintain peace and security across the country.
Oluyede also congratulated the leadership and members of the NUJ FCT Council on the successful hosting of the press week, commending journalists for their resilience, patriotism, and commitment to truth despite challenging working conditions.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, said the press week provided an opportunity for journalists to reflect on the state of the profession and reaffirm their commitment to ethical journalism ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As we move closer to the 2027 general elections, the media must remain vigilant, responsible, and courageous in the face of misinformation, fake news, propaganda, and deliberate attempts to distort public opinion,” Ike said.
She added that the media has a sacred responsibility to defend truth, promote accountability, and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
