Yuletide: Army laud journalists, solicits robust partnership

The Special Task Force (STF), code name Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH), yesterday in Jos, the Plateau state capital, held media lunch with journalists as part of the Christmas celebration.
Speaking during the event, the OPSH Commander, Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas, said the aim is to appreciate the media for the role it played in the outgoing year, in reporting the activities of the Command with best international practice.
He said one of the strategies of the operation is people-friendly approach to peace keeping, which, according to him, has to a large extent paid off.
Gen. Nicholas explained that the media has been very friendly, adding that each time the command is embarking on a tour of the troubled parts of its area of operation, the media provides coverage and reports same to the public.
“The media has always been with us in thick and in thin, throughout the year; so we also thought it wise to celebrate Christmas with you, so we can share both in pain and joy.”
The Army boss also said that the Command is moving into the stabilization stage of its operation, appealing to the media for more synergy aimed at sensitizing the public on the need to be security conscious, so that the mistakes of the past will not repeat itself.
“We are also building on the peace in Plateau and some parts of Bauchi state; so the peace we have now must be sustained so that we don’t have to go back to the days of senseless killings.
“The present day government must support us to move ahead and the public must also play their role for us to sustain the gains accomplished so far; people are tired of the incessant crisis, let’s look inward and figure out ways to aid development.”
Responding, the Zonal Director, NTA Network Jos, Mr. Nurudeen Adesina, lauded the operations commander for his kind gesture, pledging journalists’ continuous support to the activities of the STF and the fight against insurgency.
Represented by the Assistant Director, NTA Production Service, Mr. Judge Agbese, he called for a sustained partnership between the media and the Nigeria army.