By Chris Chikelue :
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).
The announcement made on October 8, 2024, also confirmed the redeployment of the outgoing DOPRI, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Edward Gabkwet, to the newly established NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch, where he will serve as the Director of Coordination and Cooperation.
This strategic move is part of the NAF’s ongoing efforts to enhance its public and community engagement, aiming to strengthen communication with the general public and key stakeholders.
In his new role as DOPRI, Air Commodore Akinboyewa is tasked with overseeing the NAF’s media relations, strategic communications, and information dissemination.
His responsibilities will also include maintaining transparency, building public trust, and enhancing the perception of the Nigerian Air Force.
Air Commodore Akinboyewa, a native of Ondo West Local Government Area in Ondo State, is a graduate 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 Master’s Degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the NDA.
His extensive career includes several key command and staff appointments, along with training both in Nigeria and abroad. He is also a Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College Nigeria and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
The NAF emphasized that this redeployment reflects its commitment to bolstering its interface with the public and furthering its civil-military relations efforts.
The announcement was made by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force.
