The Nigerian Army says it will partner media professionals to assist in the promotion of civil Military relationship.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa who stated stated this at the National Convention of the Middle Belt journalists Forum held in Jos,the plateau State capital also said the military will remain neutral in addressing security challenges bedeviling communities in the country.
Krestnews reports from Jos says the theme of the event was Civil Society and military partnership in mitigating Crisis in North-Central Nigeria.
The middle Belt Journalists Forum, the report says was inaugurated in 2011 with the aim to provide a voice to the various Nationalities within the zone which has been affected by series of insecurity hence the need for collaboration between the military and other stakeholders to curb the worrisome trend
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa who was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Staff, Operation Safe Haven, Brigadier General Micheal Agi charged the delegates to be part of sustainable efforts to clear misinformation and wrong perception about the military in the fight against insecurity in the country.
Plateau state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang represented by the permanent secretary, ministry of information, Mr. Aliyu Tsoho applauded the pivotal role Journalists were playing in the pursuit of peace and unity in the state.
The governor expressed commitment in fostering robust collaboration with Journalists, public opinion Leaders and reputable organisations dedicated to growth and development of the state.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the outgoing Chairman of the Middle Belt Journalists Forum, Comrade Jonathan Ipaa explained that the convention was to educate participants on individual role in promoting peace, inter ethnic and religious harmony.
He emphasized that the event would rebuild confidence in both the military and affected communities in the quest to resolve, secure, unite and develop the middle and Nigeria.
In a paper presentation on civil society military partnership key to peace and development, a scholar at the National Defence College Abuja, Professor. Sampson Terwase implored the military to cooperate and establish relationship with communities to achieve their aim.
Goodwill messages were received from the representatives that came from Nasarawa, Benue and southern Kaduna amongst other states in the Middle Belt (north central) geopolitical region.
The one day event also witnessed the election and inauguration of new officials of the forum that will run the affairs of the forum in the next three years.
The new leadership is being led a veterant Journalists, Mark Mayah of Periscope news online
Adopted from Radio Nigeria Highland FM Jos report