In a landmark meeting held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Natsinta Barracks in Katsina, Brigadier General Bo Omopariola, Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, called for enhanced collaboration between the military and journalists to ensure timely and accurate information dissemination.
During the interactive session, General Omopariola emphasized the military’s dedication to transparency and seamless communication. “Our structured communication system ensures information flows accurately from Defence Headquarters to the public,” he stated. He pledged swift updates to journalists, promising that the brigade’s Assistant Public Relations Officer (APR) would provide information within an hour of clearance.
Addressing concerns from Hausa-language media, the commander underscored their critical role in reaching grassroots communities. “We will prioritize Hausa journalists, ensuring they are involved in exclusive operations and reports,” he assured.
For print media correspondents, General Omopariola vowed better engagement, promising to respond promptly to queries, even when full details are pending. He also highlighted plans to establish a dedicated WhatsApp platform to streamline communication between journalists and military officers.
Safety concerns were also addressed, with the commander assuring journalists that their protection would be paramount during visits to military operations or conflict zones. “Your safety is our priority, and we will not compromise it under any circumstances,” he said.
Mallam Tukur Hassan Danali, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina Chapter, lauded the initiative, describing it as a milestone in military-media relations. “This is a significant step towards fostering mutual trust and ensuring the public receives accurate and timely reports,” he noted.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to enhance transparency and strengthen ties, paving the way for a new era of cooperation between the military and the media in Katsina State.
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