NAF PARTNERS WITH MEDIA EXECUTIVES TO FIGHT AGAINST THE REMNANT OF TERRORISM

 The Nigerian Air Force Spokesman, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, has called on the Nigerian media to work together with the military to promote peace by supporting the ongoing military engagements in different parts of the country. The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), who was on familiarization visits to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), Television Continental (TVC) and the Armed Forces of Nigeria Radio Service, stated that the media plays a key role in national development globally. According to him, it is imperative for the Nigerian media to fully throw its weight behind the Armed Forces in a bid to encourage the troops, noting that positive media coverage would raise the morale of the troops. The DOPRI further described the mainstream media organizations as veritable partners in nation building, based on their credibility, professionalism, wider coverage, reach and sense of patriotism. He disclosed that the NAF would continue to engage the services of the traditional media to project its activities to the public because of the vantage position they occupied.

In their separate responses, the Director General of FRCN, Mr Mansur Liman said that the DOPRI’s idea was a welcome initiative that would best serve the interest of the country, adding that the FRCN was willing to partner with the NAF and indeed the Armed Forces in ensuring peace within the country. In the same vein, the Executive Director News of VON, Mr Ahaziah Sulieman disclosed that VON was already featuring a programme on the deradicalization of repentant insurgents as part of its contributions to national security. The TVC Abuja Bureau Chief, Mr Taiwo Amodu used the opportunity to explain that the Station’s policy places national interest above other interests and added that TVC had always supported the military. He then applauded the military on its efforts to restore peace in different parts of the country while specifically acknowledging the tremendous sacrifices and contributions of the NAF. The Station Manager, Major ST Uba called on the NAF to make more use of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Radio Service to propagate its activities.