The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, has called on defence correspondents to provide balanced coverage of security issues. He emphasized the need to report not only the challenges facing the Armed Forces but also the successes and sacrifices of troops in the fight against insecurity. Kana, a former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria.
Kana noted that journalists embedded with troops in operational theatres have witnessed first-hand the difficult conditions under which military personnel operate. He observed that media reports often focus on casualties suffered by troops while overlooking significant achievements recorded against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements. According to Kana, this imbalance in reporting can create a skewed public perception of the military's efforts.
The Public Relations Officer of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Matthew Abi, disclosed that Kana's remarks were made ahead of the association's annual conference scheduled for next Monday at the Army Officers' Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja. The conference is expected to attract key stakeholders in the security sector, including the Minister of Defence and service chiefs. Kana commended defence correspondents for improved reporting of military operations.
Kana praised the Armed Forces for granting journalists access to operational areas, saying the collaboration has enhanced public understanding of military activities. He also highlighted several reforms initiated during his tenure at the Ministry of Defence, including the installation of reverse osmosis water systems and the renovation of ministry facilities. These efforts aimed to improve the working conditions of military personnel and civilian staff.
The former defence permanent secretary revealed that he championed the proposal to harmonize the medical services of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force into a single Armed Forces Medical Corps. This initiative aimed to improve access to specialized healthcare services for personnel across the services. Kana also disclosed that efforts were underway to expand local defence manufacturing through increased private-sector participation.
The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria has conferred the title of Patron on Kana in recognition of his support for defence correspondents. The association's president, Odita Sunday, expressed condolences over the loss of military personnel and civilians in a recent air crash and praised Kana as a distinguished public servant who made significant contributions to defence journalism. Kana has accepted the nomination and pledged to attend the association's annual conference.
The annual conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss key issues in the security sector and appreciate the commitment and sacrifices of military personnel. Kana's remarks underscore the importance of balanced reporting in promoting public understanding of military activities. The event is expected to foster collaboration between defence correspondents, the military, and other stakeholders in the security sector.
Key points
- Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana urges defence correspondents to report on troops' successes and sacrifices.
- Kana commends defence correspondents for improved reporting of military operations.
- The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria confers Patron title on Kana.
