By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has recognised Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), for his contributions to professional defence journalism and the institutional development of the association.
The recognition, which came with the conferment of DECAN’s patron title on Kana, acknowledges his support for defence correspondents during his tenure as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, particularly his efforts to strengthen cooperation between the defence establishment and the media.
DECAN acknowledged Kana’s contributions to fostering professional engagement with journalists covering defence and security matters, noting that his support helped improve communication and relations between the ministry and members of the association.
A significant aspect of his contribution was his support for the successful registration of DECAN with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a development that gave the association formal corporate recognition and strengthened its institutional foundation.
The registration marked an important step in DECAN’s efforts to build a more structured organisation capable of advancing professional standards, promoting responsible reporting and strengthening the capacity of journalists covering Nigeria’s defence and security sector.
Kana’s recognition also highlights the role of constructive engagement between public institutions and the media in promoting transparency, accountability and informed public understanding of national security issues.
During his tenure at the Ministry of Defence, Kana was involved in administrative leadership and initiatives aimed at improving the ministry’s operations, including efforts to enhance military healthcare delivery.
By conferring the patron title on him, DECAN has acknowledged his contributions to the association’s growth and his support for professional defence reporting.
The association continues to engage stakeholders across the defence and security sector to promote ethical journalism, strengthen institutional relationships and encourage informed public discourse on defence and national security issues.
