Brig. Gen. SK Usman Ushers In New Army Spokesperson

Brig. Gen. SK Usman Ushers In New Army Spokesperson

Brig-Gen. SK Usman usher in the new Army spokesperson, Brig-Gen. Jude Texas Chukwu, as he proceeds to Kuru, Jos, on another pursuit in a well merited slot at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies to qualify for the prestigious “MNI” to add to his well decorated chest full of medals of excellence. Gen. Kukasheka will be remembered for his meticulous and highly professional approach as the Army spokesperson.

His visibility and accessibility as the Army spokesperson has opened a new door in public relations between the public and the Nigerian Army. Sure, we will miss his humility and simplicity which helped in no small measure to reduce the gap of communication between the Army and the public.

May Allah SWT reward his contributions in restoring the good image of the Nigerian Army and bless all his future endeavors with huge successes.

Congratulations brother. You are a worthy ambassador to be proud of.

His remarks:

REMARKS BY BRIGADIER GENERAL SK USMAN FSS MSS GOM RNS FNIPR BA (Hons) MA OUTGOING DIRECTOR ARMY PUBLIC RELATIONS AT HANDING AND TAKING OVER CEREMONY OF THE COMMAND OF THE DIRECTORATE OF ARMY PUBLIC REALTIONS AT THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONFERENCE ROOM ABUJA ON MONDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2018

Protocol:

-The Acting Director, Defence Information. Brig Gen John Agim.
-The incoming Director Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Jude Texas Chukwu.
-The newly appointed Commandant Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) Col Mustapha Anka.
-The Chief of Staff, Directorate of Army Public Relations Col AA Yusuf.
-Deputy Directors of Army Public Relations and the various spokesmen of Joint Task Forces. 
-Principal Staff Officers of the Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations.
-Assistant Directors of Army Public Relations here present.
-Officers, Soldiers and Civilian Staff of the Directorate of Army Public Relations.
-Distinguished Invited Guests.
-Gentlemen of the Press.
-Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. It gives me great joy and a feeling of nostalgia to welcome you all to this great and historic occasion of the formal Handing and Taking over ceremony of the command of the Directorate of Army Public Relations between my humble self, and the newly appointed Director of Army Public Relations, my very good friend and brother, Brigadier General Jude Texas Chukwu. Indeed, I am highly honoured and delighted by the large turn out of the personnel of the Directorate of Army Public Relations and above all, the esteemed presence of our colleagues; the Defence Correspondents, who have remained resolute in their tasks of reporting the activities of the Nigerian Army.

2. Today marks yet another chapter and turning point in the history of the Directorate of Army Public Relations and indeed, the Nigerian Army. I have been the acting Director and later Director, Army Public Relations since 30th January 2015. Within the period, I did my utmost best in managing the affairs of the Directorate and also transformed Public Relations practice in the Nigerian Army to an enviable height. Similarly, the Directorate has recorded some modest achievements all geared towards repositioning the Directorate to accomplish the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, which is “To have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles”. In conformity with the evolving trend in Information Communication Technology, efforts were made towards digitalizing military Public Relations practice, to reposition the Directorate in supporting the Nigerian Army in its determination of being the professional body that is responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles. This was done through the effective utilization of the highly skilled, professional human resources of the Directorate as well, as purchase of modern tools, high end computer systems, video cameras, still-photo cameras, dubbing/editing machines, photocopiers and office furniture. Other efforts includes the securing of a tied down accommodation for the DAPR, production and broadcast of documentaries as well as short video and audio clips. The production of SOJA Magazine was timely and promptly distributed to formations and units. Most importantly, training was accorded priority to enhance capacity development in line with the Army Headquarters training directive. We effectively partnered with our allies the conventional media well as the emerging new media by establishment of Facebook, Youtube and Twitter accounts that facilitate the dissemination of information on the Nigerian Army activities thus interacting with general public.

3. The Directorate’s quarterly study period was sustained and reinvigorated with the integration of the annual media week organized by Nigerian Army School of Public Relations (NASPRI). The participation by personnel and the Defence correspondents was novel idea with valuable lessons learned from resource persons and participants. I am glad to state that with the support and unflinching dedication to duty by the Officers, Soldiers and Civilian Staff, we have succeeded in enhancing and sustaining a reputable image for the Nigerian Army. I therefore charge my successor, Brig Gen Jude Chukwu, to consider a more robust employment of the prospects afforded by the Social Media vis-a-vis the traditional media with a view to maximizing the gains made so far towards projection and enhancing he image of the Nigerian Army.

4. Let me at this juncture express my immense gratitude to the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, for his strategic direction, immeasurable support and encouragement to this Directorate. Whatever success we recorded in the Directorate of Army Public Relations, could not have been possible without support of the Chief of Army Staff. During my tour of duty, I enjoyed tremendous support, cooperation and encouragement of the Principal Staff Officers, Corps Commanders, General Officers Commanding and other senior Officers of the Nigerian Army, I thank them all. The immeasurable support and cooperation from the highly dedicated officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army made the job easier and I remain very grateful. The million followers of our social media accounts greatly enhanced our performance, I thank them all. Similarly, our success would not have been possible without the various Defence Correspondents, Editors, News managers and Directors and indeed, the management of the various media houses too numerous to mention here, that constantly cover, report and give the Nigerian Army activities widest publicity. I am indeed most grateful. I implore you to extend that hand of support and understanding to my successor, Brig Gen Jude Chukwu, who is a seasoned senior military officer and public relations practitioner.

5. Today I feel happy and very proud that I am leaving for the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) as participant of Senior Executive Course 40 (SEC 40). This is because of the immense benefits of the course and the fact that my nomination to attend the highly coveted course was clear mark of recognition of my performance as Director Army Public Relations which is aimed at enhancing my knowledge and capacity and further reposition me for higher responsibilities during the remaining part of my years of Service in the Nigerian Army and beyond. I am indeed very grateful to the Chief of Army Staff for this great privilege and opportunity.

6. My years of service as the Director Army Public Relations was a mixture of excitement, challenges and adventures. The combination of these brought out the best in me in service delivery, media relations and information management. I must say that the experience and knowledge acquired would continue to be cherished. Working with the highly dedicated, loyal and wonderful officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the Directorate of Army Public Relations as Director has been a great learning and rewarding experience. 
7. The media has been most invaluable partners in progress that helped in making the management of information and image of the Nigerian Army the most exciting aspect of my career. Through their constant reportage, criticisms and keeping eyes on our activities not only helped in publicizing our activities but also repositioned the Nigerian Army as one of the key pillars in the defence architecture of our great nation.

8. I am leaving here today fulfilled and well equipped to face the challenges of the course and the future. It is great to be part of this team of professionals working along with them at close range. I fervently implore you to please extend your hand of fellowship to the incoming Director Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Jude Texas Chukwu to enable him give the best to the Nigerian Army and the nation.

9. Thank you and God bless.