Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Dr Ahmed Audi, (NSCDC), has pledged to work closely with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the reportage of security activities in the country.
Audi made the pledge when he paid a courtesy visit to NAN Managing Director (MD), Buki Ponle Wednesday in Abuja.
The CG said that the visit was timely and imperative bearing in mind the need for synergy between the Corps and media organisations.
“I have come here to tap into your knowledge of experience, synergise and work with NAN.
“The visit is to smoothen the existing relationship between us, and signify our policy to have a robust relationship with the press.
“We all know that the press can make or mar, so I have made it one of my policies to make the Fourth Estate of the Realm my brothers,” he said.
According to him, the visit was also to seek for guidance, support and cooperation of the agency.
Audi praised the agency for its wide coverage and reportage of events around the globe.
The NSCDC boss said that he looked forward to continuous collaboration between both organisations for the benefit of the country.
Responding, the NAN MD expressed the hope that the synergy between both organisations would flourish, to enhance better protection of citizens.
“We are going to be the vanguard, assisting you in assisting the nation and ourselves for the survival of our country.
“Here is a home for solution journalism, so we are ready to give you all the assistance required to make your mandate come to life,” he said.
Ponle said that although the country was going through a hard time, it behooves all citizens to contribute their quota to the survival of Nigeria.
“Nations go through this stage, but the difference is how one goes through it to succeed.
“With people like you who have made astronomical changes that has reflected in the corps, positive change can be achieved in the country.
“This is the time for every organisation to give its best for the survival of this country,” he added.
He assured that NAN would not compromise the credibility of its reports, adding that whenever there’s doubt on any report, the agency investigates deeply before releasing it to the public.
“We don’t disseminate false news, when you talk to NAN, you are talking to all, both in and outside the country.
“We always get to the root of matters and ensure all parties are treated fairly and all issues treated objectively,” Ponle said.
He sympathised with the Corps on the death of some of its personnel in active service to the nation.
Ponle assured the NSCDC that the partnership between them would be sustained for the benefit of both organisations and the country.