AFIT Honours Outgoing Director Of Public Relations Officer As Wing Commander Ogbonna Takes Over

AFIT Honours Outgoing Director Of Public Relations Officer As Wing Commander Ogbonna Takes Over

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has today, 13 August, 2026 hosted a befitting send-off ceremony in honour of the outgone Director of Public Relations Officer (DPRO), Wing Commander Bassey Ibiang Okon who is proceeding on retirement after decades of exemplary and dedicated service to the nation. The event provided an opportunity for the Institute to appreciate his selfless contributions to AFIT during his tenure in office.

Addressing the outgone senior officer, and guests present at the event, the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Kolade Ademuwagun, commended the senior officer for his hard work and meritorious service to the Institute which has contributed positively to the current successes recorded in the development of AFIT. He described the out gone DPRO as a “gentleman per excellence” especially his character in handling his duties.

The Commandant expressed confidence that the outgone senior officer will deliver in the next phase of his career as he transits into civil life with the impressive work and selfless services he had put in to the service.

AVM Ademuwagun further enjoined the Senior Officer to continue to work closely with AFIT even in retirement and encouraged him to start writing more papers where he has a lot of attributes. The commandant concluded by congratulating him on his successful retirement and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Earlier in his goodwill message, the AFIT Deputy Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Chiedu Ubadike appreciated the outgone DPRO for his immense contributions towards the development of the Institute. He urged him to maintain the commitment and consistency as he transits to take up future responsibilities.

In his Vote of thanks, the out gone DPRO, thanked God for keeping him healthy and alive as he transits into civil life. He said the successes recorded during his tour of duty would not have been possible without the amiable leadership and direction of the Commandant who has carried him along in all the activities of his Directorate. He further appreciated the Commandant for honouring him and thanked all the military and civilian staff of the Institute for their cordial relationships accorded to him.

Earlier in a brief handing and taking over ceremony held at the DPRO’s office, Wing Commander Ijeoma Perpetua Ogbonna took over as the new AFIT Director of Public Relations Officer, succeeding Wing Commander Bassey Ibiang Okon.

The outgone DPRO described his successor as “a disciplined and dedicated officer with a wealth of experience and broad exposure in the Directorate of Public Relations and Information,” expressing confidence that she will deliver, having previously handed over to her as a Dean School of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administration and Management (NAFIAM).

On her part, the DPRO used the occasion to congratulate her predecessor for his successful retirement and thanked him for his impressive service to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large.

She described him as a mentor who she always consult and prepared to fill in his shoes. She also expressed readiness to learn, noting that every appointment is an opportunity for learning and improvement.

Wing Commander Ogbonna therefore, urged the staff of the Directorate to extend the same cooperation they gave her predecessor to improve the institute’s activities.