The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace responsible citizenship and actively contribute to the fight against the country’s security challenges. He made this call at the Nigerian Army Tertiary Students and Future Journalists Parley, organized by the African Centre for Media and Inter-Cultural Dialogue and the Nigerian Army, in partnership with the Mass Communication Students Association of the University of Lagos.
Oluyede, represented by the Commander of the 9th Brigade, Brig. Gen. Olawale Oyekola, highlighted the strategic role of the media in military operations. He noted that public perception, support, and narrative control are crucial to operational success. The Army Chief identified terrorism, insurgency, banditry, secessionist agitations, farmers-herders conflicts, and communal clashes as key threats to Nigeria’s stability. He stressed that no army, regardless of its training or equipment, can win a war without the trust and backing of the people.
Oluyede emphasized the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural, religious, and resource diversity for nation-building rather than exploiting it to fuel discord. He noted that the Nigerian Army has adopted a whole-of-society approach to tackle the security challenges confronting the country. “I implore all citizens to imbibe positive and active security participation,” Oluyede said.
The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of the military to national development. He called for improved public understanding of the armed forces and stronger collaboration with the media. Dr. Olunifesi Suraj, Executive Director of ACMID, emphasized the need for a common front for national security, where the military respects human rights, and the media and civilians understand the limits in disseminating sensitive information.
The event drew dignitaries and students from various tertiary institutions across Lagos State, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the military, media, and citizens in addressing security challenges. By working together, Nigerians can build a more stable and secure future for themselves and future generations.
