DEFENCE
NAF Reaffirms Commitment To Stronger Partnership With Defence Correspondents
PRESS STATEMENT
NAF Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Partnership with Defence Correspondents
Abuja 14 July
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) as part of efforts to promote accurate, credible and responsible reporting on military operations and national security issues.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the executive members of DECAN during a courtesy visit to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters.
Ejodame commended the association for its professionalism and continued support to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that defence correspondents have consistently demonstrated restraint by verifying sensitive information 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.
He described defence correspondents as strategic partners in national security, adding that collaboration between the military and the media has become increasingly necessary as modern conflicts are shaped not only on the battlefield but also in the information space.
“For that reason, collaboration with you is not optional; it is essential. I have always regarded you as partners,” he stated.
Responding to requests for greater access to operational theatres, the Air Commodore said the Nigerian Air Force remains open to expanding media engagement but noted that operational, administrative and security considerations, as well as inter-agency approval processes, often limit such access.
He also acknowledged the financial demands associated with strategic communication, explaining that available resources must be balanced with other critical operational requirements, including procurement of equipment, ammunition, troop welfare and ongoing military operations.
Ejodame reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to credible public communication, saying every official statement issued by the Service is guided by facts and can be defended at any time.
He further urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before sharing it, warning that the circulation of unverified reports and misleading content could inadvertently advance the objectives of terrorist groups by spreading fear and misinformation.
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)
