By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called for stronger collaboration between the military and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to ensure effective communication and citizens engagement in support of its operations.
The Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the call during a courtesy visit to the NAN headquarters, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ejodame described NAN as a “big brother” in the battle to win hearts and minds in modern warfare, and conveyed the appreciation and goodwill of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
He stressed that the dynamics of warfare had shifted beyond kinetic operations, noting that non-kinetic engagements such as public perception, strategic communication, and information management now play a decisive role in achieving mission success.
“We have come to say a big thank you to the News Agency of Nigeria for the remarkable work it is already doing in amplifying the efforts of NAF and the Armed Forces in general.
“In contemporary warfare, actual combat contributes as little as 25 to 30 per cent to overall victory.
“The remaining 70 to 75 per cent comes from non-kinetic efforts, especially winning the confidence of the people.
“This makes the media a crucial ally in the Armed Forces’ mission to safeguard national unity and security.
“Sometimes, wearing the uniform and speaking doesn’t move the public, but when trusted institutions like NAN speak on our behalf, it lends credibility and reassures citizens of our intentions,” he said.
Ejodame further noted that the visit was not just to appreciate past support, but also to seek deeper collaboration going forward.
“We are here today like Oliver Twist to ask for more support, more cooperation, and to strengthen the already existing relationship with the News Agency of Nigeria,” he added.
In his response, the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, pledged the agency’s continued support for NAF and the entire Armed Forces.
Ali commended NAF for its professionalism and for being a dominant force in the West African sub-region, noting that the service has continued to command respect and admiration both within and outside Nigeria.
He assured the NAF delegation that NAN remains ever ready to deploy its vast media network in support of national security messaging.
“Your request for greater collaboration is granted.
“NAN, just like the air force, is concerned about integrity; yours is the integrity of the nation, and ours is the integrity of news.
“The air force has always stood out—from their discipline and elegance to their technological edge and public relations.
“NAN has over 500 correspondents across the country and foreign bureaus in New York, Côte d’Ivoire, Johannesburg, and plans to reopen offices in London, Moscow, and Beijing.
“Whatever message you want out there, whether to the local or international audience, we are ready to deploy our resources to help you win hearts and minds,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
