The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has pledged to work together with the information dissemination machinery of the Nigerian Military to ensure public support for men and women of the Armed Forces whose mandate is to defend the territorial integrity of the nation.
The Director General of the Agency, Dr. Garba Abari who received the new Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Jimmy Akpor in his office said NOA is committed to winning the non-kinetic aspect of warfare in a world riddled with conflict and misunderstanding.
He explained that the world is going through challenging times, requiring more effort to promote dialogue, tolerance and justice instead of resort to violence.
“That is why we need to develop a wholesome approach to peace making. The first battle ground is the hearts and minds of people, to spread goodwill and social justice. We realise the importance of synergy and collaboration, especially wide ranging ones, to create the platform to engage with the people,” he said.
The New DDI said his visit to NOA is to strengthen the partnership between the Agency and the Defence Headquarters to ensure public support for the military and its operations nationally and around the globe.
In his words: “I am here to seek your support in conveying the need for public support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria. We want to continue to enjoy the confidence of the people in the usual way because we realise that though we are an institution set up to take up arms in defence of the country and its borders, there is a need to guard the soul and hearts of the nation. And that is where NOA is very important.”
General Akpor is undertaking familiarisation visit to information management agencies and organisations to seek support for his work in the Defence Headquarters.