By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff has urged Nigerians to embrace reconciliation, compassion, and collective responsibility as the country celebrates Easter. Maj Gen Michael Onoja, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, made the appeal at the Easter Retreat organized by FCT Council, NUJ, on Thursday.
In a speech, Maj Gen Onoja drew parallels between the resurrection of Christ and Nigeria’s journey towards stability, saying the country’s trials are not permanent and that renewal is possible with faith and unity. He is commended the Armed Forces for their bravery and selflessness in defending the nation, citing examples of schools reopening, farmers returning to their lands, and displaced families rebuilding their homes.
The media, particularly journalists, are indispensable partners in national security, and their role in promoting unity and countering misinformation is vital. Maj Gen Onoja urged journalists to project verified facts, highlight the sacrifices of security personnel, and discourage narratives that incite fear or division.
The Chief of Defence Staff’s representative also paid tribute to fallen heroes, urging continued prayers for troops and the nation’s peace. He emphasized the importance of prayer in strengthening morale and invoking divine protection.
The Armed Forces remain committed to enhancing operational effectiveness, strengthening interagency collaboration, and leveraging modern capabilities to address evolving threats. The goal is to ensure every Nigerian lives in safety, dignity, and hope for the future.
Maj Gen Onoja concluded by wishing Nigerians a blessed Easter, saying the resurrection of Christ is a reminder that hope will always triumph over fear, and urging all to renew their faith in God and commitment to building a secure, united, and prosperous nation.
Ret Col Timothy Antaga, representing the Minister of Defence, has urged journalists to support the government’s efforts to address insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking at the Easter Retreat organized by NUJ, FCT Council, Antaga emphasized the importance of journalists joining hands with security agencies to resolve the country’s crisis.
Antaga noted that the Defence Ministry is doing everything within its power to ensure peace and security, and journalists have a crucial role to play in this effort. He stressed that without a secure country, journalists would have no purpose, and therefore, they should work together with security agencies to achieve peace.
Addressing the issue of fake news, Antaga described it as a serious security concern and advised journalists to seek news from authentic sources, such as the directors of media operations in the security services. He commended journalists for their credibility and honesty, except in cases where they’ve been infiltrated by malicious elements.
Regarding the Easter message, Antaga conveyed the Minister’s call for Nigerians to have faith, pray, and commit their issues to God, emphasizing the importance of trust in the Lord during challenging times. He urged Nigerians to work together towards a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Grace Ike, FCT NUJ Council Chairman, has emphasized the need for journalists to renew their strength and faith in Jesus Christ, citing the resurrection as a symbol of hope and peace. She urged Nigerians to preach love, unity, and peace, saying it’s essential for the country’s progress.
Ike decried the poor remuneration of journalists and called on the government to defend them while performing their duties. She also expressed concern over insecurity in the country, saying it’s a major challenge that needs to be addressed.
The Easter Retreat, organized by the NUJ, aimed to promote unity and harmony among journalists and Nigerians. Ike said the event was part of efforts to bring people together and preach love, unity, and peace.
On safety, Ike cited the cybercrime act as a concern, emphasizing the need to protect journalists’ rights to speak truth to power. She urged Nigerians to use the Easter period for sober reflection and celebration, promoting a message of renewed strength, hope, and faith in Jesus Christ.
