The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, has said that VON would partner with Defence and Police Officers’ Wife Association (DEPOWA) to project its positive and humanitarian activities to the world.
The VON boss stated this during a courtesy visit to the National President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said VON was established to tell and shape the narrative of Nigeria, Nigerians, Africa and Africans, including the Nigerian Armed Forces and DEPOWA.
“We do these by broadcasting in eight languages such as English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Fulfulde.
“We are also talking with Chinese Embassy to start broadcast in Madarin and other foreign languages.
“As D-G, working with my team, we have decided that we will be intentional and unapologetic in narrating the Nigerian stories, including the positive work that DEPOWA is doing for the youths and women in the barracks.
“I also want to commend you for all the works you are doing for widows in the country. You have a willing partner in VON, to partner and cover all your activities.
“President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the armed forces are given the best motivation and logistics to deliver on their mandate.’’
While commending the troops fighting for the safety of the country, he noted that some officers have not seen their families for over five months.
According to him, some even paid the supreme price.
“Only God will bless them.
“I also want to call on Nigerians to appreciate and respect our armed forces. Let’s respect our combatants’ armed forces who put their lives on the line,” Baba-Ndace said.
He stressed that even in death, armed forces should be respected by Nigerians.
The VON boss condemned the attitude of some Nigerians who spread fake news, misinformation and disinformation about the armed forces on the social media.
He called on citizens to respect and appreciate the armed forces paying the supreme price in the line of duty for the safety of the country.
Responding, the DEPOWA National President, appreciated Baba-Ndace for the support and partnership offered to DEPOWA by VON.
“We have skill acquisition and leadership programmes for the less privileged and other members of the society and barrack community.
“We will also be having more programmes in the coming weeks.
“Our husbands are doing a lot, but people go to the social media and spread fake comments and information that are discouraging.
“But we thank God that VON is also fighting fake news,” Musa said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baba-Ndace and his team were taken on a tour of facilities and programmes DEPOWA is currently coordinating for the youths and women. (NAN)