Army advocates developmental journalism in tackling insecurity

The Commander, 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina State, Brigadier-General Babatunde Omopariola, on Friday, said developmental journalism should be accorded priority in the effort towards tackling insecurity.

Omopariola made this known during a luncheon with members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Katsina State Council, led by its Chairman, Tukur Den-Ali, held at the Command’s Officer mess, Katsina.

PUNCH Online reports that the event is aimed at commemorating the upcoming 2025 Armed Forces celebration and Remembrance Day, as well as creating a robust-friendly environment for journalists to operate.

He said, “The luncheon was organised specifically to provide a relaxed atmosphere for networking and active engagement between the Media and the Nigerian Armed Forces at large.

“Media plays an ever-increasing role in shaping public opinion and thus influencing military operations and galvanising public support as we progress into the information age.

“Embedding journalists in the planning and conduct of military operations would help greatly in checking negative reports on the activities of security agencies.

“It also serves as a platform for the military to engrave its friendship with the media and bridge the existing divide between them”, he said.

Omopariola also challenged media practitioners to be patriotic in the performance of their duties and avoid reports that would be detrimental to national interest and security.

He noted that the season marked a special place in individuals and collectively as an Army.

“Moments like this remind troops of the significance of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice as well as providing a unique opportunity for troops to reflect and readjust efforts towards justifying the confidence reposed in them by Nigerians”.

The 17 Brigade Chief then made special tributes to colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the defence of their fatherland while noting that the Brigade under his watch will continue to provide for the welfare and comfort of their families.

In his remarks, Tukur Den-Ali, thanked the Brigade Commander and officers for the warm reception accorded to Journalists noting that journalists will always respond to the brigade’s call out of their busy schedules to render media expertise when needed.

He assured the Commander that every practising journalist in Katsina state would continue to partner with the brigade and other security agencies in the state as well as promote interagency cooperation.