On Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, I had the distinct honour of delivering two presentations to the participants of Command Responsibility Course 06/2024 at the esteemed Air Force War College Nigeria in Makurdi. The sessions, titled “Effective Use of Public Relations Personnel: Guidelines for Talking to the Press – Contemporary Issues and Challenges for a Military Commander” and “Defence Headquarters’ Guidelines on the Use of Social Media,” were not just presentations but vital discussions on the evolving role of communication in today’s military operations.
In the increasingly complex security and information environment, the battlefield now extends far beyond the physical, into the realms of information and perception. Therefore, understanding how to engage the media and effectively utilise social media is no longer optional for military commanders—it is a necessity.
Mastering these skills ensures not only the protection of sensitive information but also the ability to shape public perception, maintain morale, and project strength.
It always brings me great joy to impart knowledge to others, as I had the opportunity to do with these fine senior military officers. The engagement was deeply rewarding, offering an excellent platform for us to explore the challenges commanders face in balancing transparency with operational security while communicating with the public and offering the best ways to overcome them based on knowledge and experience.
Consequently, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Commandant and his exceptional team for the opportunity to contribute to such an important dialogue, hoping that it made the desired impact. Their warm reception and hospitality were awesome thus, made the experience even more memorable.