CDS Advocates Development Journalism for Enhanced National Security
By Matthew Eloyi
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasised the importance of development journalism in bolstering Nigeria’s sovereignty and promoting national security.
Speaking at a Roundtable Discussion on Nigeria’s Security and National Interest, organised by the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, Musa called for deeper collaboration between the military and the media.
The event, held on Thursday, was aimed at engaging members of the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN).
Musa highlighted that development journalism fosters public awareness of defence and security issues while holding governments and other stakeholders accountable. According to him, this approach informs policymakers’ decisions and strengthens national cohesion.
“National security cannot and should not solely rely on the strength of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Musa said. “It should also be reinforced by an educated, healthy, and socially cohesive population, underpinned by development journalism.”
He added that development journalism promotes inclusivity and people-centric reporting, aligning with his vision of a professional, collaborative, and people-focused Armed Forces.
Musa proposed several strategies for adopting development journalism in defence reporting. These include prioritizing human security, engaging in investigative reporting, and promoting stakeholder dialogue through innovative storytelling and evidence-based reporting.
“Such approaches will engender trust and cooperation between the military, civil society, and other stakeholders while fostering social cohesion and collaboration,” he noted.
The CDS commended the NCTC for organising the event and reiterated the significance of the media’s role in advancing Nigeria’s national security interests.
NCTC’s National Coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, also stressed the critical role of journalists in shaping public perception and policy on national security. He urged them to report accurately and responsibly amidst an environment rife with misinformation.
The Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba-Ndace, applauded the initiative, urging continued collaboration between the media and the military to counter terrorist narratives.
In his lecture, retired Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, a former Defence Spokesman, advised journalists to align defence reporting with national unity and security goals. He emphasised the need for fact-checking to prevent the spread of false claims that could jeopardize security operations.
The roundtable underscored the media’s pivotal role in fostering national security through responsible and development-focused journalism.