Akinboyewa Takes Over from Gabwet as NAF Spokesperson

Akinboyewa Takes Over from Gabwet as NAF Spokesperson

Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa has assumed office as the new Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

He took over from Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet at a brief ceremony held at the Headquarters NAF in Abuja.

In his remarks, Akinboyewa expressed his profound gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar for saddling him with the onerous responsibility of managing the image and reputation of NAF.

He extolled the achievements of his immediate predecessor, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, whom he described as his mentor and friend.

“He has done such an outstanding job of projecting the Nigerian Air Force and continuing to make sure that the public is kept aware of all the efforts that go into ensuring that Nigerians are safe to go about their lawful business.

“It’s important to also mention that the successes that he has recorded would not have been possible if not for the support and the synergy that we enjoy from our partners, the media, your good selves.

“Without your support, without your cooperation, the successes would not have been possible and so I want to use this opportunity to solicit that that same support, that same partnership, that same synergy should continue. I am very open to your input, to your advice. You can reach me at whatever time of the day or night”.

Air Commodore Akinboyewa therefore solicited support from the media, stressing that, “the key thing that we need to note is that we are firm partners when it comes to securing this country and protecting the people.

“The armed forces of Nigeria and in particular the Nigerian Air Force and the media must maintain a very strong, a very firm, a very robust synergy because without that synergy the goals that we share of making Nigeria a peaceful, prosperous, and safe place for our people cannot be achieved.

“And so again I want to reiterate my call for your support and for your friendship and I want to encourage you to not hesitate to give us feedback, to give us your input and to keep close contact with us as we do the work of keeping Nigeria safe and secure. I look forward to continuing the relationship that has been built over the years by my able predecessor”.

Earlier, in his valedictory speech as NAF spokesperson, AVM Gabwet, appreciated the support he received from defence correspondents reporting the activities of NAF, urging them to extend the same to his successor. “Your collaboration, advice, and guidance are essential to helping my successor and our newly-appointed NAF spokesperson to settle down quickly in office.”

The Chairman of the FCT Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, and Mr. Abdulsalam Mahmud, the representative of the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria, Alh. Yushau Shuaib, were among the eminent dignitaries who graced the event.