General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, urged journalists to prioritise truth and professionalism during an Easter retreat organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists. The event took place on April 1, 2025, at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State. Oluyede described the media as a critical partner in national security, stating that "responsible information management" is essential to national stability. He emphasized that military strength alone cannot guarantee peace without accurate and ethical reporting. The retreat brought together military officials and members of the press for reflection and dialogue.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists facilitated the event as part of its annual engagement with the armed forces. Oluyede, who assumed office in January 2025, called for mutual respect between the military and media. He acknowledged the press's role in shaping public perception and warned against the dangers of misinformation. No policy announcements or funding commitments were made during the retreat.
A top military official asking journalists to be truthful is notable coming from an institution often criticised for opacity. General Oluyede's call carries weight, but without reciprocal transparency from the military, the appeal risks sounding one-sided. Nigerians hear frequent appeals for media responsibility, yet official accountability in military operations remains inconsistent. This retreat changes nothing unless followed by concrete openness.
