Robust CIMIC is Needed to Tackle Insecurity – Gen. Olukolade

Robust CIMIC is Needed to Tackle Insecurity – Gen. Olukolade

Chairman Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) and former Director, Defence Information, DDI, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd), has emphasized the need for Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities to be given prominence and attention as major aspects of national development efforts.

This, he said, is necessary to win the war against insecurity the Nigerian military is jointly fighting with other security agencies.

Olukolade who was former Chairman of Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) disclosed this at a Media Chat in Lagos, organized by the Army Headquarters, Department of Civil Military Affairs.

In his paper, titled: “The Role of Media in Enhancing Civil Military Cooperation in a Joint Environment,” Gen. Olukolade, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, noted that there is the need to identify viable media approaches that will support kinetic and non-kinetic efforts of the military in combating present or emerging threats to the nation and her citizens.

“Indeed, the media will continue to play an important role in times of conflict. How it tells the story or the way it covers the conflict influences the public.

“The narratives weaved by the media or the visual images of war it shares impacts public support of the war or operation. It is an important national security imperative for the media to use its platforms to galvanize public support in promotion of peace and security,” he said.

According to the ex-DDI, the media needs to be mindful of the twin vices of sensationalism and subjectivism in reporting military and security affairs of the nation generally.

He stressed that a conflict-sensitive communication approach has become necessary as an imperative
while reporting military operations.

Said Gen. Olukolade: “The media therefore, must be advised to avoid the usual haste to break the news or publish-and-be damned syndrome when it comes to sensitive matters as war or military operations and activities”.

In his speech at the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Ajunwa said the Media Chat is apt as it emphasizes the importance of the critical roles of the Media in keeping the citizenry abreast with the activities of the Nigerian Army along Non-Kinetic lines of operations.

He added that the event provided an avenue for the Department of Civil-Military Affairs to engage Media Executives in charting a more mutually benefitting relationship for improving reportage for enhancement of the military operations.

Also in his remarks, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major General Markus Kangye expressed delight in hosting the event. He added that the event was unique and timely as it precedes the start of electioneering campaigns, especially as the nation gears towards the 2023 General elections.

Present at the occasion were a renowned strategic communication scholar, Dr. Abubakar Alhassan from Bayero University Kano; a former Army Spokespersons, Retired Brig Gen Sani Usman Kukasheka; Gbenga Arulegba of the AIT, Babajide Kolade Otitoloju of TVC and Mrs Morayo Afolabi Brown of TVC amongst other communication experts.

The Comdt Nigerian Army Ordnance School, Maj Gen AM Alabi, Dy Comdt NAFRC Maj Gen EPA Undiandeye, Director Defence Information, Maj Gen OJ Akpor, Director CMA Maj Gen AI Taiwo and Comd 9 Bde Nigerian Army as well as the Comdt Nigerian Army School of Public Relations Brig Gen Achagwugba were amongst senior military officers that graced the occasion.

By PRNigeria