🇳🇬 Crafting Strategic Communication: Kukasheka Tasks Army Spokespersons on Professionalism

 

 The former Director of Army Public Relations, retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, has charged military public relations officers to master the art and science of crafting effective press statements that protect operational security while projecting institutional credibility.

Zig Diaries | Defence & Security
Date: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Time: 15:20 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria

Delivering a paper titled “Techniques for Crafting Press Statements for Effective Communication in an Operational Environment” at the Directorate of Army Public Relations Media Training Seminar holding at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, he said an effective press statement is a strategic weapon, “when well-crafted, it strengthens credibility; when neglected, it can be exploited with devastating consequences.”

“A press statement is not a village communiqué, it carries the full weight of the institution issuing it. Its anatomy, structure and tone determine whether the message informs, reassures and builds trust,” Kukasheka emphasized.

He identified three critical elements of an effective press statement — anatomy, structure, and style. According to him, every official release must have a compelling headline, a clear lead paragraph answering the five Ws and H, precise body paragraphs with context, and a boilerplate that reinforces the organization’s values and mission.

Kukasheka also stressed the importance of clear language, active voice, correct ranks, authoritative tone, and proper media contact information. He cautioned against over-disclosure of sensitive details that could endanger operations or personnel, while underscoring the need for speed and accuracy to dominate the information space.

“The newsroom’s filing system is the dustbin. If you write rubbish, it goes there. If you write well, it leads the news. So every line you craft must earn its space,” he told the participants.

The retired brigadier general urged army spokespersons to segment their audiences carefully, align messaging with operational and national narratives, and avoid common pitfalls such as jargon, late responses, and conflicting statements.

He concluded that effective press statements are both a shield and a voice, shaping perception, protecting operations, and reinforcing the military’s credibility in a democratic space.

🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, Defence, Media Relations, Strategic Communication, Military PR, Abuja

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