By Joy Odor
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) newly appointed Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Wapkerem Maigida on assuming duty has promised to promote the core values of the NAF and project the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) vision.
Air Cdre Maigida made this known in his address shortly after taken over as the 18th NAF DOPRI from Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet who has been at the helm of affairs for about one years and nine month, in Abuja on Friday.
The new Spokesperson, Air Cdre Maigida appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladayo Amao for his appointment and promised to continue to project the CAS vision, which is to enhance and sustain critical airport capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national Security imperatives.
Air Cdre Maigida told the media to use their reportage to shape public perceptions and views about the Nigerian Air Force towards enduring National Defence and security in the country.
According to him, Defence Correspondents should bear in mind that these challenges would be dealt with if worked together to resolve it as partners, with trust and respect.
He employed them to also remain steadfast as the carry out the watchdog functions, informing and enlightening the public and bringing them to happenings in Defence and security sector.
Commending the immerse contributions of his immediate predecessor, Air Commodore Gabkwet on steering the affair of the directorate, Air Cdre Maigida assure that the Directorate would 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, striving to project air power to conquer the mirage of security challenges currently developing in our 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 said.
Earlier, the outgoing 17th DOPRI, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet urged the media and the public to extend maximum cooperation to the new Spokesman and solicited for more support as he had enjoyed during his tenure.
According to Gabkwet, the new spokesman is a qualified senior officer who would send the right message about NAF operations to the world.
