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Nigerian Army Hosts Fourth Quarter 2025 Media Chat in Jos, Seeks Stronger Civil–Military Collaboration
The Nigerian Army, through its Department of Civil–Military Affairs, on Thursday held its Fourth Quarter 2025 Media Chat in Jos, bringing together security experts, media practitioners, and academics to deepen discussions on security reporting and public trust.
The engagement, held at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Rayfield, centred on the theme: “The Nigerian Security Environment: Role of Strategic Communication in Strengthening Civil–Military Relations.”
Retired Army spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), stressed that truth, trust, transparency, and accountability remain the pillars of effective civil–military engagement. He noted that longstanding misconceptions—fueled by misinformation, disinformation, and poor synergy—continue to strain relations between the military and the media. He urged both institutions to identify themselves as partners in national development.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waheed Shaibu, the GOC 3 Division and Commander Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, said the Army is increasingly exploring non-kinetic strategies to address security challenges. He highlighted the influence of ICT on information flow, warning that fake news, propaganda, and unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information pose real dangers to national security.
“This has necessitated deeper collaboration between the Nigerian Army and media stakeholders to build a formidable front against shared security challenges,” he said.
Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, explained that the theme was deliberately crafted to harmonize patriotic efforts between the Army and the media toward achieving national security goals. He appealed to journalists to uphold ethics and embrace truthful, responsible reporting to strengthen national unity and public confidence.
A lecture delivered by Prof. Eze Cosmos of the Mass Communication Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, examined strategic communication as a key tool in countering violent extremism and insurgency. He emphasized the importance of shaping narratives that support national stability.
Panel discussions featured senior military officers, scholars, and media leaders—including Maj. Gen. Mohammed Bello, Brig. Gen. Usman (Rtd), Prof. Taye Obatomi, and Chairperson of the NUJ Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo—who deliberated on improving security reportage, enhancing collaboration, and strengthening public trust.
Special Guest of Honour and Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mallam Salihu Dembos, represented by Mrs. Rifkatu Daniel, commended the Army for sustaining such engagements. He reaffirmed NTA’s commitment to promoting accurate, conflict-sensitive, and responsible journalism.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, in his goodwill message, praised the Army for fostering dialogue, noting that non-kinetic strategies remain essential in complementing efforts of security agencies.
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Polycarp Auta, lauded the Army’s commitment to peacebuilding and urged continuous cooperation between the media and security institutions.
The media chat concluded with an interactive session between journalists and Maj. Gen. Etsu-Ndagi, aimed at strengthening feedback channels and deepening cooperation in the collective pursuit of national security.
(1) Atiku Abubakar
Among those contesting for the presidential ticket of the ADC, Atiku stands tall as the most experienced. Atiku’s quest to be president of Nigeria started in 1993, with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The SDP primaries was won by the late Moshood Abiola who took Baba Gana Kingibe as his running mate.
However, Atiku was said to have stepped down from the race under pressure from Shehu Musa Yar’adua.
At the dawn of democracy in 1999, Atiku was chosen by Olusegun Obasanjo as his running mate. However, after falling out with Obasanjo at the end of their tenure, in 2007 he defected and contested for the presidency on the platform of the Action Congress (AC). He was defeated by the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua of the PDP.
The former Vice President returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, in 2011 and challenged the former President Goodluck Jonathan for the PDP ticket. Atiku lost the party’s primary election to Jonathan. In 2015, Atiku led some PDP governors to the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) and challenged the late President Muhammadu Buhari and others for the presidential ticket, but lost the contest.
In 2019, Atiku returned to the PDP, won the primary, but lost the main election to the then President Muhammadu Buhari. In 2023, Atiku was also the PDP’s candidate, but lost to the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a widely publicised interview on television, Atiku recently disclosed that the 2027 election will be his last, fueling speculation that he will do everything humanly possible to clinch the ticket of the party.
(2) Rotimi Amaechi
Rotimi Amaechi, one of the top contenders for the ticket of the ADC, is a former Speaker of the Rivers State and a governor in the same Rivers. In 2023, after the tenure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Amaechi contested for the presidential ticket of the APC with President Tinubu and lost.
Ahead of the coming election in 2027, Amaechi joined forces with the opposition coalition in the ADC and is now battling with others to clinch the presidential ticket.
As the battle for the ticket hots up, Amaechi was recently quoted in an interview with Trust TV, as saying that he did not purchase the nomination form of the ADC to step down or become a vice presidential candidate to anyone.
After his screening last week, Amaechi told journalists that he is a bonafide member of the ADC and will only accept the outcome of any consensus where he is part of and involved.
(3) Muhammed Hayatu-Deen
Muhammed Hayatu-Deen is another presidential aspirant that has been making waves ahead of the ADC presidential primary.
In 2023, Hayatu-Deen was one of the top presidential aspirants for the ticket of the party. He lost to Atiku.
Ahead of the primaries, Hayatu-Deen has urged delegates and stakeholders to use the primary to demonstrate the party’s readiness to offer Nigerians what he described as a credible alternative to failed governance and “recycled politics.”
Speaking in Abuja at the weekend, Hayatu-Deen described the forthcoming primary election as a defining moment not only for the party but also for Nigeria’s political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said. “Monday is not merely about selecting a candidate. Monday is about determining whether the ADC is truly serious about rescuing Nigeria and offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the failed politics they have endured for too long.”
Positioning himself as a unifying candidate capable of bridging regional, religious and generational divides, Hayatu-Deen argued that his candidacy represents a departure from established political figures.
“I am not on the carousel of the same old faces that Nigerians have seen for decades,” he stated. “I carry no political baggage. I owe no godfathers. What I bring is experience, credibility, integrity, calm leadership, and a practical recovery plan for Nigeria.”
The aspirant highlighted insecurity, unemployment, displacement and economic decline across North Central states, including Benue State, Plateau State, Niger State, Nasarawa State and Kogi State, describing persistent attacks on farming communities as both an economic and humanitarian crisis.
“A nation cannot prosper when the region that feeds it is bleeding,” he said.
The winner of the anticipated ADC presidential primary is expected to lead the party into the January 2027 presidential election and mount a challenge against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC and probably Mr Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Remo Stars F.C. have officially confirmed their relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
In an emotional statement released by the club, Remo Stars admitted the campaign ended far below expectations and described the outcome as heartbreaking for everyone connected to the team.
“This outcome is heartbreaking for everyone connected to the club,” the statement read.
The club acknowledged the disappointment experienced by supporters, players, management, and staff after failing to secure enough consistency throughout the season.
“We did not deliver the performances required to remain in the division,” the club implied.
Remo Stars also accepted responsibility for the disappointing campaign while recognizing the high expectations surrounding the team before the season began.
“We take full responsibility for the failure,” the statement noted.
Despite the setback, the club insisted it remains committed to rebuilding and returning stronger in the future.
“Our focus now shifts toward rebuilding with purpose and determination,” the statement added.
The club also expressed gratitude to supporters who continued standing by the team during difficult moments across the season.
“Your loyalty means everything to us,” Remo Stars stressed.
The relegation has sparked emotional reactions among fans, especially considering the club’s ambitions and recent progress within Nigerian football.
“It’s a painful moment for the club and supporters,” many football observers reacted.
Remo Stars, however, remain optimistic about rebuilding and fighting for a return to the top division.
For the club, the message is clear.
Mistakes have been acknowledged.
A rebuilding process is coming.
And the ambition to return stronger remains alive.
Because setbacks in football often become the beginning of a new chapter of growth and recovery.
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