The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has elected a new executive committee led by Mr. Sunday Odita as President, with the new leadership pledging to strengthen members’ welfare, professional excellence and engagement with key stakeholders in the defence and security sector.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Friday, 12 June 2026
Time: 14:50 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
The association, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Musa Umar Bologi, disclosed that the new executives emerged from a transparent and rancour-free electoral process conducted to ensure continuity and institutional development.
The newly elected officials include Linus Aleke as Vice President; Musa Umar Bologi as Secretary; Benjamin Samson as Treasurer; Martha Ebere as Assistant Secretary; Kikelomo Okere as Financial Secretary; Ihotu Odoh as Welfare Officer; Agbor Jame as Provost; and Mathew Abi as Public Relations Officer.
Strengthening defence journalism and stakeholder partnership
The new executive committee, according to the statement, pledged to prioritise the welfare of members while building a more vibrant and united association capable of advancing credible defence reporting and constructive engagement with institutions responsible for national security.
The leadership further assured members of its commitment to promoting professional standards and strengthening collaboration across the defence, security and intelligence community in support of peace and national development.
Speaking shortly after his election, DECAN President, Mr. Odita, emphasised that the welfare of members would remain central to the new administration’s agenda, noting that a motivated and professionally empowered membership remains critical to effective defence journalism.
Media as a bridge in national security communication
Odita stated that the new executive would mobilise strategic stakeholders within the defence, security and intelligence community to foster stronger partnerships aimed at enhancing national security and creating an environment conducive for economic growth and development.
He stressed that continuous cooperation between the media, defence institutions and other security actors was necessary to promote accurate reporting, public trust and informed conversations around national security issues.
The new DECAN President also commended the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerian troops confronting security challenges across various theatres of operation in defence of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He paid tribute to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, alongside commanders, for their strategic leadership and efforts toward sustaining national security.
According to Odita, the collective efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies have continued to contribute significantly to stability and create conditions necessary for socio-economic progress.
He reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security and national development while strengthening the association’s role as a credible bridge between security institutions, the media and the Nigerian public.
🏷️ Tags: DECAN, Sunday Odita, Defence Journalism, Security Media, Military Relations, National Security, Nigeria
#DECAN #DefenceJournalism #NationalSecurity #Security #Media #Nigeria #ZigDiaries
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