DECAN Elects Odita Sunday as President by Unanimous Vote

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) elected Odita Sunday of Razor News Media as its president over the weekend, with a slate of new executives to guide the association for the next two years.

The other officials elected are Linus Aleke (Vice President); Musa Umar Bologi (Secretary); Benjamin Samson (Treasurer); Kikelomo Okere (Financial Secretary); Ihotu Odoh (Welfare Officer); Agbor Jame (Provost); and Mathew Abi (Public Relations Officer, PRO).

The new executive committee said it will focus on member welfare and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders in the defence and security sector to support national security, peace, and development.

After a transparent electoral process, the newly elected leaders pledged to build a more vibrant and united association that promotes professional excellence and constructive engagement with institutions responsible for safeguarding the nation.

Speaking shortly after the election, President Odita emphasized that member welfare would remain a priority, noting that a motivated and professionally empowered membership is essential for effective defence journalism.

He also pledged to mobilise critical stakeholders within the defence, security, and intelligence community to foster stronger partnerships aimed at enhancing national security and creating a peaceful environment conducive to economic growth and infrastructural development.

Odita stressed that the media, defence institutions, and other strategic actors must continue to work together to promote accurate reporting, public trust, and informed discourse on security matters.

The new DECAN leader commended the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of Nigerian troops who confront security challenges across various theatres of operation in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He paid tribute to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as well as other commanders, for their unwavering dedication, strategic leadership, and operational successes in maintaining peace and stability across the country.

According to Odita, the collective efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies have significantly contributed to sustaining national security and creating the conditions necessary for socio‑economic progress.

He reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, and national development while strengthening the association’s role as a credible bridge between the military, security institutions, and the Nigerian public.