In Protest, NIPR Shuns Inauguration of New Defence Spokesman

In Protest, NIPR Shuns Inauguration of New Defence Spokesman

Representatives of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) were conspicuously absent on Friday when a new Defence Spokesman was officially inaugurated in Abuja.

PRNigeria gathered that the NIPR executives were shocked that after their previous protests against appointments of non-professionals, the Nigerian Army deployed an Infantry officer as the new Director of Defence Information (DDI).

The newly appointed Director of Defence Information, Major-General Oluwonigho Jimmy Akpor, pledged to sustain the existing robust relationship between the military and the media.

He urged friends and colleagues in the media to keep providing adequate and credible information on the military to the world.

General Akpor made the call during his inauguration in the absence of any representation from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) the umbrella body for spokespersons and corporate communicators in the country.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Akpor noted that he will sustain and strengthen military-media cooperation aimed at building a peaceful, progressive nation.

He emphasized the importance of media in reporting military operations and informing the populace on the strides of the Armed Forces in containing criminal elements and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians.

He thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Farouk Yahaya for the honour and privilege given to him to serve as Defence Spokesman.

“I must commend the Defence Correspondents for demonstrating a high sense of professionalism during the coverage and reportage of defence and security matters.

“I earnestly urge you to remain patriotic while observing the ethics of objectivity, fairness and balance in your news writing and reporting.

The outgoing spokesman expressed gratitude to all media partners for their support during his interim service.

Maigida said within his short stint, he supervised the “production of the first-ever documentary ‘Armed Forces of Nigeria: The Bastion of Nigeria’s Unity and sovereignty’; organized the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and successfully hosted workshops for Armed Force Public Relations officers and Defence correspondents, which in turn improved the productivity of defence Magazine and Defence Headquarters’ souvenirs.”