By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has approved the appointment of Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa as the new Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
He equally approved the redeployment of the erstwhile DOPRI, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, to the newly established NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch as Director of Coordination and Cooperation.
A statement by the Deputy Director Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain, Kabiru Ali, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said the strategic realignment is part of the NAF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its public and community engagement functions.
It said it is also aimed at ensuring a more robust and effective interface with the general public and stakeholders.
The statement said “As the new Spokesperson, Air Commodore Akinboyewa is expected to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor by overseeing NAF’s media engagements, strategic communications, and information dissemination, while building perception, maintaining transparency and further enhancing public trust and confidence.
“Air Commodore Akinboyewa hails from Ondo West Local Government Area in Ondo State.
“A member of the 43rd Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the NDA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and a Masters Degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the NDA.
“Throughout his career, he has held numerous key command and staff appointments and attended various courses both locally and internationally.
“He is a Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College Nigeria and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations,” the statement stated.
Meanwhile, formal handing and taking over ceremony between the outgoing DOPRI, AVM Edward Gabkwet and his successor, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa was done this Tuesday at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja.
