Jonathan inaugurates Defence Radio in Abuja

The Punch - Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday inaugurated the Defence Radio 107.7 FM of the Armed Forces Radio Services at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.Defence Radio 107.7 FM of the Armed Forces Radio Services at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
Jonathan said the Radio station, which was said to be first of its kind in West Africa, would play a crucial role in informing the public about the activities of the Armed Forces.
The President, who commended the Armed Forces for their resilience in the fight against the insurgency in the North-East, decried negative criticism against the military.
Jonathan said while criticisms could be necessary, it should not be deployed to weaken the morale of the troops.
He noted that while the previous neglect of the military in the area of acquisition of equipment and training affected the initial response to the security challenges in the North-East, recent acquisitions and support from the government had remedied the situation.
The President called on Nigerians to give the requisite support to the military and ensure that the efforts of those who paid the supreme price to keep the country peaceful and united were not wasted.
Jonathan said that the establishment of the Defence Radio was a turning point that would enhance enlightenment of Nigerians on the activities of the military.Defence Radio was a turning point that would enhance enlightenment of Nigerians on the activities of the military.
He stressed that Nigerians would be grateful to the military if they knew the sacrifices of the security agencies and what they go through for peace to be sustained in the country.
He said, “First and foremost, I commend the efforts of all those involved in making this initiative a reality today. Apart from the pleasure of listening and communication and welfare issues, this medium also makes the purpose of getting the general public better informed about their activities of the Armed Forces.
“Let me here again acknowledge the resilience of the Armed Forces in the face of daunting security challenges and the successes they have recorded so far.
“It is a fact that previous neglect of the military in terms of hardware acquisition and relevant training had compounded the security infrastructure that affected the precision of military response to these challenges. However, recent purchases and support changed the tide.
“This has again returned the alliance for effective governance, peace and security in the areas hitherto held by terrorists, insurgents and other misguided elements of our society.
“At this point, our collective thoughts and prayers must go to those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for our peace and security, for the loved ones they have left behind. We must honour their memory; their sacrifice must not be in vain.”
Jonathan commended the Armed Forces for their support and loyalty all through his administration and urged them to give the same level of support to the incoming administration