Odita, Aleke, others elected as new DECAN executives

… As new President pledges stronger stakeholder engagement

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has elected a new set of executives to steer the affairs of the association over the next two years.

The newly elected officials, who emerged from the rancour-free exercise, are: Sunday Odita (President); Linus Aleke (Vice President); Musa Umar Bologi (Secretary); and Benjamin Samson (Treasurer).

Others are Kikelomo Okere (Financial Secretary); Ihotu Odoh (Welfare Officer); Agbor Jame (Provost); and Mathew Abi (Public Relations Officer, PRO).

The new executive committee pledged to prioritise the welfare of members while strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders across the defence and security sector in support of national security, peace and development.

The newly elected executives, who emerged through a successful and transparent electoral process, assured members of their commitment to building a more vibrant and united association capable of advancing professional excellence and promoting constructive engagement with institutions responsible for safeguarding the nation.

Speaking shortly after the election, the new helmsman, Mr. Odita emphasised that the welfare of members would remain at the forefront of the association’s agenda, noting that a motivated and professionally empowered membership is essential for effective defence journalism.

He further pledged that the new executive would 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 in promoting accurate reporting, public trust and informed discourse on security matters.

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

He paid glowing 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, and commanders, for their unwavering dedication, strategic leadership and operational successes in maintaining peace and stability across the country.

According to him, 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 the commitment of DECAN 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.

Signed
Musa Umar Bologi
Secretary
Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN)

June 12, 2026.