Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) to promote accurate, credible and responsible reporting on military operations and national security issues.
The assurance was given by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, while receiving the executive members of DECAN during a courtesy visit to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
Ejodame commended defence correspondents for their professionalism and support for the Nigerian Air Force, noting that journalists covering the defence beat have consistently demonstrated responsibility by verifying sensitive information before publication.
”There have been occasions when you received information but chose to withhold publication until we confirmed the facts. Rather than rush to publish unverified reports, you exercised restraint. That means a great deal, not only to the Nigerian Air Force but also to the nation,” he said.
He described defence correspondents as strategic partners in national security, stressing that the media now plays a critical role in modern warfare, where information has become as important as military operations.
”For that reason, collaboration with you is not optional; it is essential. I have always regarded you as partners,” Ejodame added.
Responding to requests for greater media access to operational theatres, the NAF spokesman said the Service remained committed to expanding media engagement but explained that operational, administrative and security considerations, as well as inter-agency approval processes, often limit such access.
He also noted that while strategic communication remains important, available resources must be balanced with other operational priorities, including the procurement of equipment and ammunition, troop welfare and ongoing military operations.
Ejodame assured that every official statement issued by the Nigerian Air Force is based on verified facts and can withstand public scrutiny.
He urged journalists and members of the public to always verify information before sharing it, warning that the spread of false or misleading reports could unintentionally aid terrorist groups by creating fear and misinformation.
Earlier, DECAN President, Mr. Odita Sunday, congratulated Ejodame on his appointment and praised the Nigerian Air Force for its sustained efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats across the country.
Sunday reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ethical, fair and responsible journalism and called for closer collaboration through regular media briefings, improved access to information, operational engagements where feasible and capacity-building programmes for defence correspondents.
He also disclosed that the association was finalising plans to launch The Defence Correspondent Journal and expressed optimism that the Nigerian Air Force would support the initiative.
Both the Nigerian Air Force and DECAN pledged to sustain their partnership to enhance credible information sharing, deepen public understanding of military operations and contribute to Nigeria’s national security objectives.
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