Military seeks media, civilians partnership as Atilogu Udo 1 kicks off



The Chief of Staff Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Burutai, on Thursday, sought partnership with the media and civilians towards successful execution of various military activities in the South East geopolitical zone especially Atilogu Udo (peace dance) 1 scheduled to kick off today (November I).


Burutai, made the call at the 2 days Civil-Media-Military Relations Summit held at Enugu, the Enugu State capital under the theme “Galvanising citizens support for military operations in Nigeria through the media,” and was attended by journalists, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the zone.

The Chief of Staff represented by Major General Enobong Udoh, Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, said the similar exercise held in the past made Igbo in disporah to return home for Christmas and other celebrations without fear or threats.


“This submit is been held in line  with my desire to keep the public well informed about the activities of the Nigerian Army. And above all to fashion out means of galvanising public support to military activities and other exercises,” he added. 
He said the exercise was not targeted at any individual or people but towards straightening peace and security in the zone, as well as help in getting rid of kidnapping, hostage for ransome, cult crashes and other criminal activities in South eastern states and Cross River state. He urged the media to keep reporting facts and figures of the military operations devoid of biases or subjectivity and sensationalism.

The Brigadier Gen. 82 Division, Major A. A. Adegboye, while also calling for corporation and collaboration in tackling security issues in the region through Exercise Atilogu I, revealed that it would take the military to the nooks and crannies of the region during which they would also engage on sanitation, conduct free medical treatment, rehabilitation of orphanage homes, amongst others.

On his part, the guest of honour, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state represented by Secretary to the state government, Prof. Simon Otuanya, thanked the military for the programme noting that the media play vital roles in sharpening the minds of the public for national development.
In a lecture entitled the Media, Peace and National Development: Exercise Atilogwu Udo I in Perspective, Dr Ifeanyi Didugwu of Enugu state university, advised the Military to sustain its media relations with a view to achieving greater results in their activities without been misunderstood by the populace.
Earlier, Col. Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, explained that the Summit was organised to create a solid platform for understanding operation of the army especially in the zone and Cross river state, adding that the exercise Atilogu l was well planned and would be executed professionally to create enabling environment for routine legitimate activities.

Leave a Reply