…Urges Youth to Be Guardians of Truth and Unity
By Nkechi Eze
In a deliberate and forward-looking effort to deepen civil-military relations and empower Nigeria’s youth as frontline advocates for peace, unity, and national security, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has taken the message of national responsibility directly to the youth population this time, to members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Orientation Camp in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.
The landmark engagement, held under the ongoing Defence Headquarters’ Security Awareness Campaign, was more than a mere visit. It was a strategic town hall forum designed to awaken a new consciousness in Nigeria’s young ambassadors on the critical role they play in shaping the country’s national narrative, protecting its unity, and defending its security architecture especially in the age of social media, where narratives can be weaponized.
The purpose of the engagement, according to the Defence Headquarters, was not only to foster dialogue on national development and peacebuilding but also to encourage responsible media conduct, combat the dangers of misinformation, and build enduring mutual trust between the military and Nigeria’s dynamic youth population. It was an intentional effort to bridge the perception gap and equip young Nigerians with the media literacy required to be credible voices in the digital age.
Represented by Major Ayo Omojokun, the CDS led a team of senior defence officials and embedded defence correspondents to the NYSC orientation camp, where they delivered a powerful multi-layered presentation on the strategic importance of truthful storytelling and digital responsibility.
Major Omojokun, addressing the corps members, emphasized that in today’s complex and interconnected security landscape, the media is no longer a passive channel but a potent weapon capable of inspiring national cohesion or triggering unrest, depending on how it is wielded. “In today’s security environment, the media is not the enemy, it is a powerful partner,” he said. “Our operations thrive not just on firepower, but on narrative control.”
He explained that Defence Media Operations, under the leadership of the CDS, is constantly engaging journalists, media stakeholders, and digital influencers to ensure that the Nigerian public receives timely, factual, and responsible information. “When you post photos of soldiers in motion or speculate on military activities, you may think it’s innocent but to the enemy, it’s intelligence,” he warned.
He further elaborated on the rising danger of unverified content, emotional manipulation, and sensationalism, which, according to him, have become weapons in the hands of terrorists and destabilizing agents. “Do not let the enemies of Nigeria weaponize your ignorance,” he cautioned. “Before you share anything related to security, verify it. Ask: who posted this, and to what end? If you can’t answer that, don’t post it.”
Major Omojokun urged the corps members to see themselves not just as participants in a year-long national service, but as co-architects of the country’s image and stability. He charged them to become media-literate, digital citizens, vigilant, discerning, and purposeful in their online engagements. “In your hands are tools more powerful than bullets, your voice, your words, and your stories,” he said. “Let’s use them to build, not to destroy. Let us write a narrative of peace, resilience, and national pride.”
He also encouraged the youth to take charge of national storytelling by using their platforms whether in their CDS groups, personal blogs, or social media handles to highlight the positive efforts of the Armed Forces, the resilience of conflict-affected communities, and the achievements of young Nigerians contributing meaningfully to the country. “Your voice, your story, your lens can change the narrative. Nigeria is not all gloom. Let’s amplify the stories that build hope and unity,” he urged.
To that end, he invited the corps members to follow official Defence Media Operations platforms for credible updates and information. “Follow us on X @DefenceInfoNG, on Instagram @DefenceMediaOps, or visit www.defenceinfo.mil.ng. Let’s work together to promote truth, not fear,” he said.
Welcoming the military team, NYSC Benue Camp Director, Mr. Edwin Ughanze, described the campaign as a timely and commendable intervention that resonates with the core values of the NYSC scheme, national unity, discipline, and youth-driven social responsibility. He applauded the initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff, saying the engagement would leave a lasting impression on the participants.
Mr. Ughanze expressed satisfaction with the smooth running of the camp so far, noting that no incident or casualty had been recorded since its commencement. He emphasized the importance of personal vigilance, urging corps members to remain environmentally alert throughout their service year. “Know your nearest exits, stay alert, and trust your instincts,” he advised. “In times of crisis, that awareness could be the thin line between life and death.”
He also cautioned the corps members against falling prey to fake news and digital manipulation. “Don’t be tools in the hands of those who want to undermine our country. As graduates, you must be intellectually vigilant and media-smart. Before you share anything, ask yourself: is it true? Is it helpful? Is it unifying?” he warned.
Mr. Ughanze called on the corps members to support the Armed Forces by telling positive stories about their sacrifices, stories that the mainstream media often neglects. “Our soldiers are out there risking their lives every day to keep this country safe. When they build schools, rescue abductees, provide free medical care, or restore hope to devastated communities, those stories must be told and you can be the storytellers.”
The impact of the Defence Media Town Hall campaign was immediate and profound. Corps members participated actively, asked questions, shared views, and demonstrated a clear desire to be better informed. The engagement not only clarified misconceptions but ignited in them a sense of ownership of the Nigerian story.
Babatunde Oluwaseyi Testimony described the session as “highly enlightening,” admitting that many of her prior assumptions about the military were corrected. “There’s a lot we didn’t know especially about the sacrifices our soldiers make and the dangers of spreading false narratives online. This session has opened my eyes,” she said.
Ojadi Chidera issued a warning to her peers on the perils of fake news, saying, “We live in a time where misinformation spreads faster than the truth. We must stop being tools in the hands of those who seek to divide us or tarnish the image of the Armed Forces. Every tweet, every post, has consequences.”
Muhammad Hamza and Akinpelu Joshua added their voices to the call for a generational shift in mindset. They urged young Nigerians to shun cultism, electoral violence, and divisive ideologies. “What we need now is vigilance, unity, and discipline,” said Akinpelu. “We must redefine what it means to serve our country not just by wearing the khaki, but by living out the values of peace, truth, and responsible citizenship.”
Hamza added, “This town hall has helped us see the Nigerian military not as a distant institution, but as a national partner, human, professional, and deeply invested in our safety. We now understand that national security is a shared responsibility.”
By the end of the engagement, the corps members emerged with a stronger sense of national duty and a deeper understanding of how their digital behavior and social media choices directly influence public perception, operational security, and national cohesion. Many left with a renewed commitment to becoming not just passive observers, but active guardians of truth, unity, and national progress.
What began as a town hall ended as a transformation of perspectives, of priorities, and of purpose.
