Change Of Leadership At Directorate Of Defence Information As Brig Gen Uba Succeeds Brig Gen Gusau

Change Of Leadership At Directorate Of Defence Information As Brig Gen Uba Succeeds Brig Gen Gusau

The handing and taking over ceremony of the Directorate of Defence Information (DDI) between Brigadier General Tukur Ismail Gusau mni fnipr PhD and Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba fnipr, that took place yesterday Tuesday 4th November 2025, at the Defence Headquarters main conference room in Abuja, was both historic and profoundly personal to me. What made this transition particularly significant was the deep and interwoven history among the three of us.

Our relationship with Brigadier General Uba (whom I call reluctant godfather), dates back to our undergraduate days at the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, where he was one year ahead of my set. Over the years, our paths have remained closely aligned through professional growth, friendship, brotherhood and shared values. Like me, he is a Bukite and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (fnipr), which bears eloquent testimony to his professional excellence and commitment to ethical communication practice. Along with him, we have just completed one of the best media packages at the famous Armed Forces Command and Staff College’s Exercise HASKE BIYU for 2025.

As for Brigadier General Gusau, he is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (fnipr) and a Member of the National Institute (mni), just like me. Beyond these professional distinctions, he has been a trusted friend, brother and colleague for decades.

I had the honour of serving as Director of Army Public Relations, during which both senior officers served under my command. It was while I was in a seat that the Nigerian Army released General Uba to establish the Nigeria Customs Service Staff College in Gwagwalada. When I was appointed Acting Director, Army Public Relations in 2014, Gusau took over from me as Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Operation LAFIYA DOLE. I also had the honour of later releasing General Gusau to the Ministry of Defence, where he excelled as the Director of Information and Spokesman for the Honourable Minister. However, General Uba made history as the Army decided to change his Corps from the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) to the Infantry Corps and made Brigade Commander in the North East, where he did exceptionally well. To see them, years later, leading the public information arm of the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria, one seamlessly handing over to the other, filled me with immense pride and satisfaction.

It was indeed a full-circle moment, witnessing General Gusau handing over such an important office after an admirable and productive tenure, while General Uba assumed responsibility for this critical national role. Impressively, the atmosphere in the conference room was vibrant, filled with communication professionals, Directors of Public Relations from the Services and the Nigeria Police, colleagues, family members and friends, all gathered to celebrate and witness excellence, leadership and continuity at the Directorate of Defence Information. Therefore, the event was far more than a routine change of guard; it was a celebration of friendship, mentorship, shared history and professional progression within the military’s public relations.

As this remarkable transition takes effect, I wish Brigadier General Tukur Ismail Gusau mni fnipr PhD the very best in his future endeavours. His sterling service, professionalism, and dedication to excellence will undoubtedly continue to inspire those he mentored and worked with. Likewise, I heartily wish Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba fnipr, a most successful tour of duty as he assumes this onerous national responsibility. I do not doubt that, with his wealth of experience, humility, and strategic insight, he will further elevate the standards of defence information management and strengthen the Armed Forces’ engagement with the public for national cohesion and understanding.