NUJ Taraba Council Strengthens Relations Civil Defence in a High-Level Visit.
By Raymond Enoch
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing media-security relations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba State Council, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The high-powered delegation was led by the NUJ Taraba State Council Chairman, Comrade Mathew Elud Jen, and included executive members of the union, respected media publishers — including representatives from Echo and World View newspapers — as well as experienced reporters across various platforms.
The delegation was warmly received at the NSCDC State Headquarters by the Commandant and his senior aides, in what both sides described as a “collaborative engagement for mutual development and public service.”
In his welcome remarks, the NSCDC Commandant expressed delight over the visit, describing it as a testament to the growing synergy between security agencies and the press in Taraba State. He acknowledged the press as critical partners in national development and in the dissemination of verified information to the public.
“We are not just partners by circumstance, but by duty,” the Commandant remarked. “The media plays a central role in promoting peace, security awareness, and public confidence. We are committed to building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.”
Responding, Comrade Mathew Elud Jen noted that the visit was a deliberate step to build bridges of cooperation, particularly in areas that concern the safety of journalists, access to accurate information, and effective crisis communication.
“This visit is more than ceremonial,” Comrade Jen said. “It is a strategic partnership rooted in a shared responsibility to serve the public interest. We are here to promote transparency, deepen cooperation, and ensure that journalists can operate safely and effectively in carrying out their duties.”
During the interactive session, discussions focused on creating a framework for collaboration, including the possibility of organizing joint training programs, security briefings for media personnel, and establishing rapid response mechanisms for journalists facing threats in the line of duty.
Publishers of Echo and World View commended the NSCDC for its professionalism and reiterated the importance of keeping open lines of communication between both institutions. Reporters present at the event shared personal field experiences and advocated for increased support and protection, particularly during sensitive assignments.
The visit ended with a mutual commitment to sustained dialogue and institutional cooperation, with both bodies agreeing to formalize a liaison process to promote shared goals of security, professionalism, and accurate public information.
This landmark engagement marks a new chapter in civil-security-media relations in Taraba State and is expected to lay the groundwork for broader partnerships across the region.
