.The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), have pledged stronger collaboration to promote responsible journalism and enhance public understanding of national security issues.
The commitment followed a courtesy visit by the DECAN leadership, led by its President, , to the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser, Dr Chido Onumah, in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement by the President and Secretary of DECAN, Mr Sunday Odita, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Odita said the visit was part of the association’s efforts to deepen collaboration with key defence and security institutions.
He reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to supporting the ONSA through factual, balanced and professional reportage on national security issues.
The DECAN president called for greater access to official activities, specialised training for defence correspondents and increased inclusion of journalists covering the ONSA in official engagements.
He also proposed establishing a dedicated media centre outside the ONSA complex to facilitate interactions between journalists and officials without compromising security.
Odita urged the ONSA to support continuous capacity building for defence correspondents in intelligence reporting and emerging security threats.
He disclosed that the association would launch its quarterly publication, The Defence Correspondent, in October to enrich public discourse on defence and security matters.
Responding, Onumah commended the association for the visit and acknowledged the vital role of defence correspondents in shaping public understanding of national security.
He assured the delegation that their requests would be presented to the National Security Adviser, , for consideration.
Onumah emphasised that continuous training would equip journalists with better understanding to report security issues professionally, accurately and responsibly.
He reaffirmed the ONSA’s commitment to working closely with the media to ensure timely, accurate and effective communication on national security issues.
