The newly appointed Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Nigerian Air Force Air Cdre Wapkerem Maigida has assumed office, promised to promote the core value of the Nigerian Air Force.
Air Cdre Wapkerem Maigida who took over on 6 January 2023 as the 18th DOPRI replaces Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet who has been at the helm of affairs for about one years and nine months.
The outgoing 17th DOPRI Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet urged the media and the public to extend maximum cooperation to the new Spokesman. He solicited for more support from media as he had enjoyed during his tenure.
According to Gabkwet, the new spokesman is a qualified senior officer who is a Public Relations Officers who will send the right message about NAF operations to the world.
Addressing the media the new spokesperson, Air Cdre Wapkerem Maigida thanked the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladayo Amao for his appointment assuring him that as an image maker of the Air Force, he will continue to project CAS vision, which is to enhance and sustain critical airport capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national Security imperatives.
He employ the media to remain steadfast as the carry out the watchdog functions, informing and enlightening the public and bringing them to happenings in Defence and security sector.
He urged them to use their reportage and media to shape public perceptions and views about the Nigerian Air Force towards enduring National Defence and security in the country.
"Thus, I believe this will boost the combat efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force towards enhancing airpower capability to confront enemies of our dear country".
He urged all Defence correspondents as well as other media professionals to bear in mind that "these challenges we must all work together to resolve it as partners in efforts to anchored on trust and respect".
While appreciating the immerse contributions of his immediate predecessor, Air Commodore Gabkwet on steering the affair of the directorate, Air Cdre Wapkerem Maigida on behalf of the officers, men and civilian staff of Directorate assure that the Directorate will keep forging ahead under his watch to continue to trunk out and leveraging on all the mainstream and online social media platforms to bring out air force stories clearly.
"It is gratifying to mention that I'm fully aware of responsibilities of my office as Director, Public Relations and information in which, in summary, is to project the operational engagement and other activities of Nigerian Air Force, with the aim of galvanizing the support and goodwill for the Nigerian Air Force, is striving to project air power to conquer the mirage of security challenges currently developing in our country" he noted.