The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has elected a new set of executives to lead the association for the next two years, with Mr. Sunday Odita emerging as President.
The new leadership was elected during what members described as a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
Other officials elected include Linus Aleke as Vice President, Musa Umar Bologi as Secretary, Benjamin Samson as Treasurer, Kikelomo Okere as Financial Secretary, Ihotu Odoh as Welfare Officer, Agbor Jame as Provost, and Mathew Abi as Public Relations Officer.
Following their election, the new executives pledged to prioritise members’ welfare and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders in the defence and security sector to support national security, peace and development.
Speaking shortly after the election, Odita said the welfare of members would remain a top priority of his administration, stressing that a motivated and professionally empowered membership is essential for effective defence journalism.
He also pledged to deepen engagement with stakeholders across the defence, security and intelligence community to foster stronger partnerships aimed at enhancing national security and creating an environment conducive to economic growth and infrastructural development.
According to him, the media, defence institutions and other strategic actors must continue to work together to promote accurate reporting, build public trust and encourage informed discourse on security issues.
The newly elected president commended Nigerian troops for their courage, resilience and sacrifices in confronting security challenges across various theatres of operation in defence of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as well as other military commanders, for their leadership and contributions to maintaining peace and stability across the country.
Odita noted that the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies have played a significant role in sustaining national security and creating conditions necessary for socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security and national development while strengthening the association’s role as a bridge between the military, security institutions and the public.
The election results were announced in a statement signed by DECAN Secretary, Musa Umar Bologi, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.