DOPRI 2026: CAS Calls For Enhanced Strategic Communication To Support Military Operations
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced its 2026 Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Annual Media Workshop and Meeting with Information Officers, with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).
At the meeting, the CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, DFS, called for enhanced strategic communication capabilities to support military operations, manage crises and strengthen public confidence in the Service.
A statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Abuja, informed that the two-day workshop, being held at Headquarters NAF, Abuja, is themed “Enhancing Strategic Media Operations of NAF Public Relations and Information Personnel Through Capacity Building in Crisis Management Skills.”
Declaring the workshop open, the CAS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, described the theme as timely, noting that the contemporary information environment is increasingly complex, dynamic and contested.
He observed that the rapid spread of news, misinformation, disinformation and hostile narratives presents significant challenges to military operations and public confidence.
According to him, “effective public communication has moved beyond being merely supportive to becoming an operational necessity that contributes directly to mission success.”
He therefore charged NAF Information Officers to recognise their role as strategic communicators responsible for shaping public understanding of NAF operations, projecting professionalism, protecting institutional credibility and strengthening public trust.
Air Marshal Aneke further stated that “operational success must not only be achieved; it must also be communicated purposefully, responsibly and effectively to our internal and external audiences.”
He noted that strategic communication remains integral to his Command Philosophy, which places emphasis on professionalism, operational effectiveness and institutional excellence.
He explained that the workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ competencies in strategic communication, crisis management, media relations, digital engagement and information management, urging them to translate the lessons learnt into improved professional performance across NAF formations and units.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the rapidly evolving media environment and increasing complexity of security operations made continuous professional development imperative for NAF public relations and information personnel.
He stated that “our responsibility goes beyond disseminating information; we must ensure that every communication builds understanding, reinforces confidence and supports the operational objectives of the Nigerian Air Force.”
He added that the workshop was designed to enhance participants’ ability to communicate effectively before, during and after crises, while ensuring that NAF communication remains credible, timely, coordinated and strategically aligned with operational objectives.
A major highlight of the opening session was a paper delivered by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Alhaji Baba Ndache, who provided insights into contemporary media operations, strategic communication and information management during crises.
The workshop also brought together former NAF spokespersons, including Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (Retired), Air Commodore Ozomina (Retired), Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya (Retired), and Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Retired), alongside Branch Chiefs, serving NAF spokespersons and Information Officers from formations and units across the country.
Their participation provided a valuable platform for institutional knowledge transfer, professional interaction and the sharing of experiences in managing complex information environments and sensitive security communications.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by DOPRI to strengthen the professional capacity of NAF public relations and information personnel, enhance the Service’s ability to counter misinformation, engage stakeholders effectively and manage communication during crises.
As the NAF continues to operate in an increasingly complex security and information environment, the workshop is expected to reinforce a responsive, credible and strategically aligned communication architecture capable of supporting operational effectiveness, institutional confidence and national security objectives.
