The Nigerian Army says it is wooing celebrities and media influencers to spread its propaganda of winning the fight against bandits and Boko Haram and play down the deterioration of worsening insecurity.

“We want to win you over to be on the same page with better understanding on issues of insecurity generally,” said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor.

Mr Irabor made the call at a parley with artistes at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The defence chief also stated that the security of a nation remained the responsibility of every citizen, adding that media personalities were critical stakeholders and vital components in security issues.

Mr Irabor further mentioned that entertainers could influence public perceptions on contemporary security challenges positively.

This, according to him, will further complement the efforts of the military and other security agencies tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property of all citizens.

The CDS urged the celebrities to use their overwhelming influence, entertainment platforms and social life to build a better and progressive nation.

The Chief of Defence Civil-Military Cooperation, Rear Adm. Frederick Ogu, spoke in the same vein.

“Recognising the influence that you have on the Nigerian populace, especially the youths, we found it necessary that we should speak with you and encourage you to play your own part so that this country can be a better place for us to live,” Mr Ogu reasoned.

Mr Ogu explained that it was the opinion of the CDS that people from different works of life, influencers and the Nigerian populace, in general, should be spoken to on the way forward.

(NAN)