Believe The Nigerian Air Force When It Speaks, Ejodame Urges Nigerians

PRESS STATEMENT

Believe the Nigerian Air Force When It Speaks, Ejodame Urges Nigerians

Abuja 14 – July The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, has called on Nigerians to have confidence in official information released by the Nigerian Air Force, stating that the Service is committed to truthfulness, accuracy and credibility in all its public communications.

Ejodame made the call while receiving the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) on a courtesy visit to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.

Reflecting on the challenge of public distrust, the Air Commodore recounted a personal experience in which even his father questioned the authenticity of an official statement issued by the Nigerian Air Force.

“There are times when people simply do not believe what we say, and that can be quite painful. I remember joking with my father during a conversation about one of our official statements. He told a friend, ‘That is just what they asked my son to say.’ I had to ask him, ‘Even you don’t believe me?’ Yet I was telling the truth,” he said.

Ejodame noted that the experience strengthened his resolve to ensure that every statement issued by the Directorate remains factual and verifiable.

“Since I became Director of Public Relations and Information, I cannot remember issuing any statement that was not truthful. Everything we release is something we can confidently defend today or even twenty years from now. We stand by the accuracy of our communications,” he stated.

He appealed to Nigerians to trust official information released by the Nigerian Air Force rather than rely on rumours, misinformation and unverified content circulating on social media.

The Air Commodore also commended defence correspondents for their professionalism, particularly their commitment to verifying facts before publication.

“There have been occasions when you received information but chose to withhold publication until we confirmed the facts. Rather than rush to publish unverified reports, you exercised restraint. That means a great deal, not only to the Nigerian Air Force but also to the nation,” he said.

Ejodame warned that the spread of false or unverified information could unintentionally aid terrorist groups by amplifying fear and misinformation.

He urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before sharing it and to support efforts aimed at safeguarding national security through responsible communication.

Earlier, President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Mr. Odita Sunday, congratulated Air Commodore Ejodame on his appointment and commended the Nigerian Air Force for its sacrifices in defending Nigeria against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats.

He said DECAN remains committed to ethical, fair and responsible journalism and called for deeper collaboration through regular media briefings, improved access to information, operational engagements where appropriate, and capacity-building programmes for defence correspondents.

Sunday also disclosed that the association is concluding arrangements for the launch of The Defence Correspondent Journal, expressing optimism that the Nigerian Air Force would support the initiative.

The visit ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustaining a productive partnership aimed at promoting credible information, enhancing public understanding of military operations and contributing to national security.

Signed: Odita Sunday

President Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN)