By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Voice of Nigeria (VON) has commended the members of Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN) for promoting patriotism in their course of protecting the country through reportage.
Its Director-General, Malam Jibrin Ndace, gave the commendation when the executive members of the association, led by its Chairman, Mr Ismail Musa, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ndace also lauded the association’s members for putting their lives on the line for the country.
“I am one of you, the nomenclature might have changed, but I have not. We still relate on a personal level. I cannot forget where I am coming.
“I want to commend you for the leadership you have demonstrated and what you are doing for the country. I follow all your reports.
“Defence reporting is a special area. Reporters on defence beat must be patriotic and I see that in all of you.
“You must protect your country. Some military personnel have paid the supreme price and some unpatriotic citizens are spreading uncomplementary remarks against the armed forces.
“I want to commend you for your patriotism in reporting the defence sector. As a reporter, you can write a story on gaps of a policy to draw attention, but not to bring down the country.
“I also want to commend you for putting your lives on the line for the country. As journalists, we have responsibility to further the peace in our country and support officers who put their lives on the line ,” Nadace said.
The VON boss also called on all Nigerians to commend the armed forces personnel who have put their lives on the line and those who left their families to protect the country.
Ndace told the association’s members that some people would continue to criticise them, adding that DECAN members should stand their ground and continue to do the right thing.
“Other people are building their countries, why do we want bring ours down. Covering defence beat is challenging; it needs support.
“In VON, we shape the narrative of Africa, Africans, Nigeria and Nigerians in eight languages: English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Fulfulde. We do it intentionally.
“We intend to also go into broadcast in Madari and Portuguese. We are working with other media organisations in Africa in sharing content and exchange programme,” Ndace said.
Speaking earlier, Musa said the association works to ensure defence correspondents have the spirit and the interest of the nation at heart in the course of covering military and other security operations and policies.
“We interface with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Headquarters and the Office of National Security Adviser on the national security and interest.
“We are also here in solidarity to say congratulations for your well-deserved appointment, and I want to say to the staff of VON that they are lucky to have a man of timber and caliber, a tested and trusted DG like Jibrin Baba Ndachi.
“And we look forward to continue collaboration, and we will always come to you to seek for advice in the areas of national importance,” Musa said.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA