Major General Ohwonigho Jimmy Akpor, the new Director of Defence Information has charged journalists and media practitioners in Nigeria to nobly complement the efforts of the Armed Forces as well as other security agencies in the quest for national security. 

This was contained in an official statement released by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday. It stated that Maj Gen Akpor takes over from Air Commodore Wap Maigida who had been functioning in an acting capacity since the former DDI, Maj Gen Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr was appointed as Force Commander and Acting Head of Mission, United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), in South Sudan. 

The new Defence Scribe, at a ceremony in Abuja, today said the media as the fourth estate in the deal has a vital role to play in the course of nation building and national security. He also said the military would never relent in its commitment to the constitution of the country. 

"The military and security agencies are in the forefront of maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation to facilitate economic, political and energy security amongst other aspect of national security", he said.  

The new scribe said he will sustain and strengthen the existing media/military co-operation to build a more peaceful and progressive nation. He urged the media, particularly, defence correspondents to remain patriotic, objective and fair in their coverage and reportage of defence and security matters. He said; "The Press must help in sustaining the morale of the military and security agencies towards dealing with the contemporary security challenges." 

His predecessor, Air Cdre Maigida thanked the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for his leadership and guidance. He commended officers, men and civilian staff of the Directorate for their professionalism. 

The new Spolesman is a member of 39 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps as a Second Lieutenant in September 1992. He holds a bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and Masters in Strategic Studies from NDA and University of Ibadan respectively. He is said to have also served in various capacities accross the country before this appointment. 

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