Odita emerges DECAN President, pledges stronger engagement With defence stakeholders
The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has elected a new executive committee to lead the association for the next two years, with veteran journalist Sunday Odita emerging as president.
The election, which members described as peaceful, transparent and rancour-free, produced a new leadership team tasked with advancing the interests of defence correspondents and strengthening the association’s engagement with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s security sector.
Other elected officials include Linus Aleke as Vice President, Musa Umar Bologi as Secretary, Benjamin Samson as Treasurer, Martha Ebere as Assistant Secretary, Kikelomo Okere as Financial Secretary, Ihotu Odoh as Welfare Officer, Agbor Jame as Provost, and Mathew Abi as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking shortly after the election, Odita pledged that the welfare of members would be a major priority of the new administration, stressing that a motivated and professionally empowered membership was critical to effective and responsible defence reporting.
He said the new executive would work towards building a stronger and more united association capable of promoting professional excellence while serving as a credible bridge between the media, defence institutions and the Nigerian public.
According to him, the leadership would intensify engagement with critical stakeholders within the defence, security and intelligence community to foster partnerships that would contribute to national security, peace and development.
Odita noted that collaboration among the media, military and other strategic actors remained essential for promoting accurate reporting, enhancing public trust and encouraging informed discussions on security issues affecting the country.
He further assured members that the executive committee would pursue initiatives aimed at improving professional development opportunities and creating a more vibrant association that effectively represents the interests of defence correspondents.
The newly elected president also paid tribute to Nigerian military personnel for their sacrifices in the fight against insecurity across various parts of the country.
He commended the courage and resilience of troops deployed in different theatres of operation, noting that their efforts continue to play a crucial role in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Odita equally lauded the leadership of the Armed Forces, including 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.
He praised the service chiefs and operational commanders for their dedication, strategic leadership and contributions to maintaining peace and stability across the country.
According to him, the collective efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies have helped sustain national security and create an enabling environment for economic growth and infrastructural development.
He reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security and national development, while strengthening the association’s role in fostering constructive engagement between security institutions and the public.
The election marks a new chapter for the association as the incoming leadership prepares to implement reforms aimed at enhancing members’ welfare, deepening professional standards and expanding collaboration with stakeholders in Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.Headline options:
