Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Ministry of Defence has denied refusing access to Channels TV to Armed Forces Celebration evrnt. This was contained in a statement signed by Iheoma-Hart Queeneth (CIO), For: Sub-Committee on Publicity, Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, Ministry of Defence. The statement reads: “The Ministry of Defence wishes to set the record straight regarding media coverage of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day symposium/lecture series held today at the National Defence College, Abuja.
“A media advisory inviting coverage of the event was circulated in advance, indicating that the programme would commence promptly at 10:00 a.m. and requesting that all media personnel be seated by 9:30 a.m. This was to ensure orderly accreditation, security screening, and uninterrupted proceedings for invited guests and dignitaries.
“Contrary to reports broadcast by Channels TV, the Ministry did not bar Channel’s personnel from covering the event. The Channels TV cameraman who arrived and presented himself prior to the scheduled start was granted access and filmed the proceedings without interruption. The Channels TV reporter who attempted to enter the venue after the programme had commenced was denied late admission for security and protocol reasons — the dignitaries had already been seated, and mandatory security checks were in progress.
“The Ministry strongly opposes and regrets any inaccurate reporting that suggests deliberate exclusion of any accredited media house. We regard all professional media organisations, including Channels TV, as important partners in public information and transparency. We call on media outlets to report responsibly and to verify facts before broadcasting.
“As the Armed Forces Celebration continues, the Ministry reaffirms that invited media organisations remain welcome to cover further activities, subject to the event schedule and standard security procedures,” it also added.
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