Odita Sunday 
ONSA, Defence Correspondents Pledge Stronger Partnership on National Security Reporting
By Odita Sunday
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to promote accurate, responsible and professional reporting on national security issues.
The commitment was made on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the DECAN leadership, led by its President, Odita Sunday, to the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser, Dr. Chido Onumah, in Abuja.
According to a statement jointly signed by DECAN President Odita Sunday and the association’s General Secretary, Musa Umar Bologi, the visit was part of the association’s ongoing engagement with key institutions in the defence and security sector to deepen cooperation and improve public communication on security matters.
Speaking during the meeting, Odita reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to supporting the Office of the National Security Adviser through factual, balanced and professional journalism, stressing that credible reporting remains vital to strengthening public confidence in national security institutions.
He called for greater access to official activities of the ONSA, specialised training for defence correspondents, the establishment of a dedicated media centre and increased inclusion of journalists covering the ONSA in official engagements.
”DECAN is ready to partner with your office to ensure the activities of the ONSA receive the publicity they deserve. Our members are committed to promoting factual reporting that projects the positive image of our country,” Odita said.
He added that journalists who regularly report ONSA activities should be allowed to participate in official assignments alongside their editors to facilitate more informed and comprehensive coverage.
To improve interaction between journalists and officials without compromising security, Odita proposed the establishment of a dedicated press centre outside the ONSA complex.
He also urged the office to institutionalise continuous professional development programmes for defence correspondents, particularly in intelligence reporting, emerging security threats and other evolving aspects of national security.
The DECAN president further disclosed that the association would launch its quarterly publication, The Defence Correspondent, in October 2026 as part of efforts to promote informed public discourse on defence and security issues.
Responding, Dr. Onumah commended the DECAN leadership for the visit and acknowledged the important role defence correspondents play in improving public understanding of national security matters.
He assured the delegation that their requests would be conveyed to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for consideration.
Onumah also underscored the importance of regular capacity-building for journalists covering the security sector, noting that well-trained reporters contribute significantly to national security through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
”Training will better position defence correspondents to report security issues with greater understanding, professionalism and responsibility,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the National Security Adviser to maintaining close collaboration with the media to ensure timely, accurate and effective communication on issues affecting Nigeria’s security.
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