Defence chief urges media to correct misconceptions about military

The Chief of Defense Staff, Abayomi Olonisakin on Thursday urged
the media to vigorously project the positive role of the military
in nation building so as to correct existing public misconceptions
of the service.

The defence chief said at a workshop on Civil-Military
Relations, held in Kaduna, that the Nigerian military has
intensified efforts to strengthen its relationship with the civil
populace by creating more platforms for civil and military
engagement.

”Today, the military has intensified efforts to build bridges of
understanding between itself and the civil populace,” he said,
adding that the existing misconception are gradually getting
belittled as a result of the policies of the military to create
platform for enhanced mutual engagement.

According to him, the armed forces is open to all citizens and
called on media practitioners to regard the military as partners in
the defense of the citizens and the territorial integrity of the
country.

”The involvement of the Military in the Country’s internal
security is as a result of new and conventional dimension which
witnessed the form of terrorism and insurgency and other
criminalities with consequence usually beyond the purview of
conventional Police”.

He disclosed that the achievement and sacrifices of the military
is usually down played by some sections of the media.

The defence chief, therefore, urged the media to give required
support for the military to bring to an end the insurgency, wanton
killings by herders and militants.

“The common goal and shared responsibility of the Military and
the media is the protection of the citizens; this makes it
important to collaborate.

Speaking at the event, the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello
Masari advised media practitioners to operate within the boundary
of reason and moderation so as to help avoid damaging or destroying
social sovereignty of the nation through fake news.

Masari who was represented by Mustapha Inuwa, called on the
Military to also be guided by existing rules in their dealings with
civilians.

According to him, media organisations in the state have been
playing significant roles in promoting civil-military relations
particularly with regards to the current fight against armed
banditry across the State.

On his part, Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufa’i called for
mutual trust between the society and the media in ensuring good
governance.

While declaring the workshop open, the Governor who was
represented by the Senior Adviser on Security , Abbas Mohammed said
the workshop was apt as it was held during post election period
characterized by high mobilization of partisan interest as well as
the security challenges in some states.

“These challenges came in the form of armed banditry, kidnapping
and cattle rustling and the Military and other security agencies
are responsible for calming the situation while the media is
responsible for directing public attention to those areas affected
as well as reporting effort of Military in solving the
problems”.(NAN)

Ganduje Commissions N270mn Gidan Zakka Road
Gov. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, on Thursday evening,
commissioned the 1.1 kilometer Gidan Zakkah – Kofar Waika road in
Kano metropolis, constructed by his administration, at the cost of
about N 270 million.

Performing the function, Gov. Ganduje explained that the project
was conceived following the noticeable hardship faced by commuters
within the densely populated area, particularly during the rainy
season.

“This project is one of the road projects we constructed in Kano
city to ensure easy flow of traffic and to generally reduce
flooding, since some of the old roads do not have culverts. As you
can see this road has concrete gutters and will soon be fitted with
street lights”.

“As we can see, change is visible within this area as the
quality of homes and indeed the environment is looking modern while
people can now use their vehicles’ conveniently. Even those walking
on foot will be happier as pavements have been constructed”.

Dr. Ganduje expressed the commitment of his administration to
ensure speedy completion of more roads especially in the state
capital to consolidate its urban renewal programme.

“Because of our population and the arrival of people to do
business, our city is growing and gradually becoming a mega city.
This means that we must invest in critical infrastructure like
roads to facilitate movement of goods and services”.

‎The governor called on the people in the Goron Dutse – Kofar
Waika axis of Kano city to make good use of the road and to support
the government to enable it accomplish its vision.‎

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Works, Housing and
Transport, Engr. Aminu Aliyu Wudil explain that street lights would
be installed at designated points along the road while the Kofar
Waika Gate would be reconstructed at the end of the road, to
preserve the state’s history and culture.

He disclosed that the second phase of the road, which would
cover Kofar Waika to Dawakin Tofa would commence before long.

Ameen K. Yassar
Director General, Media and Publicity,
Government House, Kano