General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, has called on journalists to prioritize truth and professionalism as essential tools for fostering national unity and security. Speaking through a representative during an Easter retreat organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja, Oluyede emphasized that Nigeria's stability relies not only on military efforts but also on responsible information management. He urged media practitioners to avoid sensationalism and uphold ethical standards to prevent misinformation that could undermine peace.
The NUJ, in response, issued a statement calling for renewed commitment to professional journalism. The union's Secretary-General, Nduka Ikeyi, stressed the need for accurate reporting to strengthen public trust and cohesion. The retreat, held ahead of Easter celebrations, brought together journalists to reflect on their role in national development.
Oluyede's plea to journalists is a rare moment of candor from a military leader, but it rings hollow when the same institution he leads has been accused of restricting press freedom. His focus on truth ignores the fact that the military itself has often been a source of misinformation, from delayed casualty figures to conflicting accounts of operations. Unless this call is matched by tangible reforms, it risks becoming just another seasonal sermon with no real impact on how Nigerians receive news.
