Easter Message from Defence Chief At NUJ-FCT Retreat: Choose Unity, Not Fear In Nigeria’s Story
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
At a time when headlines can either heal or heighten anxiety, Nigeria’s defence leadership is urging the media to become a force for unity rather than fear.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has called on journalists to promote hope, accuracy and national cohesion in their reporting, warning against narratives that could deepen division or panic.
Speaking at an Easter retreat organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council in Abuja, Oluyede said the message of Easter, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, offers a powerful reminder that hope can emerge even in the darkest moments.
He noted that Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, including terrorism and banditry, are being actively addressed by the military, with troops making significant sacrifices to restore stability in affected communities.
Oluyede stressed that the media plays a critical role in national security, urging practitioners to prioritise truth and responsibility over sensationalism.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, highlighted ethical journalism as a cornerstone of accountability and democratic governance.
He said responsible reporting strengthens institutions, combats corruption and ensures citizens remain well-informed.
In her remarks, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, encouraged journalists to embrace the spirit of Easter by renewing their commitment to professionalism, truth and unity within the media space.
Delivering a sermon titled “Resurrection Power, Grace, Faith, Hope, and New Life,” Pastor Ubong Ubong urged Nigerians to reflect on genuine transformation in their lives, warning that professed values must be matched by visible actions, especially in tackling corruption.
As Nigeria navigates complex security and socio-political realities, the message from both the military and the media leadership is clear: the story the nation tells itself, and the way it is told, matters more than ever.
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