The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has ushered in a new executive committee following a peaceful, transparent and rancour-free election that will steer the affairs of the association for the next two years.
The new leadership comprises Sunday Odita as President, Linus Aleke as Vice President, Musa Umar Bologi as Secretary, Benjamin Samson as Treasurer, Kikelomo Okere as Financial Secretary, Ihotu Odoh as Welfare Officer, Agbor Jame as Provost, and Mathew Abi as Public Relations Officer.
In their inaugural remarks after the election, the executives pledged to place members’ welfare and professional development at the centre of their administration while strengthening collaboration with stakeholders across the defence, security and intelligence community.
According to the President-elect, Mr. Sunday Odita, a motivated membership remains essential to effective defence journalism. He said, “Welfare of members will remain our top priority because a well-supported and professionally empowered membership is critical to credible and effective defence reporting.”
He added that the new executive would work to deepen partnerships with security institutions in order to promote accurate reporting, trust-building, and more constructive engagement on national security issues.
Odita further stressed the need for sustained cooperation between the media, the Armed Forces, and other security actors, noting that such synergy is vital to improving public understanding of complex security challenges.
He also paid tribute to personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices across various operational theatres, commending their resilience in defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Commending the military leadership, he specifically referenced the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, describing their leadership as instrumental to recent operational gains and improved security outcomes.
“The commitment of our Armed Forces and other security agencies continues to be central to stabilising the country and creating the conditions for socio-economic growth,” he noted.
The new DECAN executive reaffirmed its resolve to support initiatives that promote peace, security, and national development, while positioning the association as a credible bridge between the military, security institutions, and the Nigerian public.
