NAF Holds 2026 Media Workshop, Tasks Information Officers on Strategic Communication

NAF Holds 2026 Media Workshop, Tasks Information Officers on Strategic Communication

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), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, calling for stronger strategic communication capabilities to support military operations, manage crises and enhance public confidence in the Service.

The two-day workshop, 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 modern information environment has become increasingly complex, dynamic and contested.

He said the rapid spread of news, misinformation, disinformation and hostile narratives presents significant challenges to military operations and public confidence, stressing that effective communication has become an essential component of operational success.

Air Marshal Aneke charged NAF Information Officers to see themselves as strategic communicators with the responsibility of shaping public understanding of the Service’s operations, projecting professionalism, protecting institutional credibility and strengthening public trust.

He emphasised that operational achievements must not only be delivered but also communicated “purposefully, responsibly and effectively” to both internal and external audiences.

According to him, the workshop is aimed at strengthening participants’ capacity in strategic communication, crisis management, media relations, digital engagement and information management.

The CAS further urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop to improve communication across NAF formations and units.

Earlier, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the rapidly changing media landscape and growing complexity of security operations had made continuous professional development essential for public relations and information personnel.

He stressed that the responsibility of NAF communicators goes beyond simply disseminating information, noting that every official communication should promote understanding, build confidence and support the operational objectives of the Service.

A major highlight of the opening session was a presentation by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Alhaji Baba Ndache, who shared 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 (Rtd), Air Commodore Ozomina (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya (Rtd) and Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), alongside Branch Chiefs, serving spokespersons and Information Officers from NAF formations and units across the country.

Their participation provided an opportunity for professional engagement, institutional knowledge transfer and the sharing of experiences in managing sensitive security communications and complex information environments.

The workshop is part of DOPRI’s ongoing efforts to enhance the professional capacity of NAF public relations personnel, strengthen the Service’s ability to counter misinformation, improve stakeholder engagement and ensure effective communication during crises.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen a credible, responsive and strategically coordinated communication system capable of supporting NAF operations, maintaining public confidence and advancing Nigeria’s national security objectives.

NAF Holds 2026 Media Workshop, Tasks Information Officers on Strategic Communication