By Mariam Sanni
New spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa has called for support and synergy with the media in order to achieve his mandate.
Akinboyewa made the call on assumption of office as the new Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF.
The new NAF spokesman, who took over from Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet, lauded the efforts of his predecessor towards projecting NAF’s image over the years.
Commodore Akinboyewa said Gabkwet always kept the public abreast of all the air force efforts in ensuring that Nigerians are safe to do their lawful businesses.
He said the assignment given to him is daunting, but pledged to put in his best to justify the confidence reposed on him through the media’s support.
“Let me start by expressing my profound gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
“This is for the confidence reposed on me, to entrust me with the very great responsibility of managing the image and reputation of a great service such as NAF.
“It is important to also mention that the successes that he has recorded would not have been possible, if not for the support and the synergy that we enjoy from our partners, the media, your good selves,” he said.
He noted that without the media’s support and cooperation, the successes would not have been possible, even as he solicited for the continuation of the same support, partnership and synergy.
Akinboyewa added that he is very open to the media’s input and advice, and urged journalists to reach him at whatever time of the day or night.
“If a call does not go through, put a message through on WhatsApp and you definitely will hear back from me.
“The key thing is that we are firm partners when it comes to securing this country and protecting the people.
“The armed forces, NAF in particular and the media, must maintain a very strong, firm and robust synergy,” he emphasised.
According to him, without such synergy, the goals of making Nigeria a peaceful, prosperous and safe place for the people, which the service and media both share, cannot be achieved.
Earlier, the former NAF spokesman thanked the chief of air staff for giving him the second opportunity to serve NAF.
He expressed confidence that his successor would continue to project NAF and its activities, urging the media to continue to support NAF in its operations.
Gabkwet enjoined journalists to extend the kind of relationship that he enjoyed with them to his successor.
He explained that it was the surest way that he would be able to settle down quickly and continue to do the good work, which he is known for.
