The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has tasked its Public Relations and Information personnel with leveraging strategic communication to support operational success, manage crises and strengthen public confidence in the Service.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, gave the charge on Monday at the opening of the 2026 Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Annual Media Workshop and Meeting with Information Officers at Headquarters NAF, Abuja.
The two-day workshop is themed, “Enhancing Strategic Media Operations of NAF Public Relations and Information Personnel Through Capacity Building in Crisis Management Skills.”
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, the CAS described the theme as timely, noting that the contemporary information environment had become increasingly complex, dynamic and contested.
He said the rapid spread of news, misinformation, disinformation and hostile narratives posed significant challenges to military operations and public confidence.
According to him, effective public communication had moved beyond being merely supportive to becoming an operational necessity that contributed directly to mission success.
Aneke therefore charged NAF Information Officers to recognise themselves as strategic communicators responsible for shaping public understanding of NAF operations, projecting professionalism, protecting institutional credibility and strengthening public trust.
He stressed that operational success must not only be achieved but also communicated purposefully, responsibly and effectively to internal and external audiences.
The CAS said strategic communication remained integral to his Command Philosophy, which prioritises professionalism, operational effectiveness and institutional excellence.
He explained that the workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ competencies in strategic communication, crisis management, media relations, digital engagement and information management.
Earlier, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the rapidly evolving media environment and increasing complexity of security operations made continuous professional development imperative for public relations and information personnel.
Ejodame said the responsibility of NAF information officers went beyond disseminating information, stressing that every communication must build understanding, reinforce confidence and support the operational objectives of the Service.
He added that the workshop would enhance participants’ ability to communicate effectively before, during and after crises, while ensuring that NAF communication remained credible, timely, coordinated and strategically aligned with operational objectives.
A major highlight of the opening session was a presentation by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Alhaji Baba Ndache, who shared insights into contemporary media operations, strategic communication and information management during crises.
The workshop also featured the participation of former NAF spokespersons, including Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd.), Air Commodore Ozomina (rtd.), Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya (rtd.) and Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (rtd.).
Branch Chiefs, serving NAF spokespersons and Information Officers from formations and units across the country also participated in the workshop.
Their involvement provided a platform for institutional knowledge transfer, professional interaction and the sharing of experiences in managing complex information environments and sensitive security communications.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by DOPRI to strengthen the professional capacity of NAF public relations and information personnel, improve the Service’s ability to counter misinformation, engage stakeholders effectively and manage communication during crises.
The initiative is expected to reinforce a responsive, credible and strategically aligned communication architecture capable of supporting NAF operational effectiveness, institutional confidence and national security objectives.
