To communicate its strategic objectives, accomplishments, and challenges, shaping public perception and policy discourse, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, held a media parley with selected media executives today, 21 May 2024, at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja.
The parley, according to Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet was also part of activities lined up to commemorate NAF's 60th Anniversary, provided an opportunity to reminisce over the strides of the past, highlight the gains of today and outline the future plans of the NAF under Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar's leadership.
In his welcome remarks, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet noted that the parley with the media is crucial for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for Public awareness about NAF's operations, roles, and achievements, promoting understanding and support, to ensures accurate and balanced reporting, reducing misinformation and sensationalism, to respond effectively to crises, managing public perception and minimizing reputational damage and provides a channel for NAF to receive feedback, concerns, and suggestions from the public, enhancing operational effectiveness.
He stressed that, the media parley with executives will enable them address misconceptions, clarify operations, and protect its reputation.
During the interactive session, the Air Chief, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the importance of the media in shaping public perception and understanding of NAF operations and its importance to fosters trust and credibility, essential for maintaining public confidence in NAF's operations.
According to CAS the media parley provides a channel for NAF to receive feedback, concerns, and suggestions from the public, enhancing operational effectiveness and it enables NAF to share its story globally, promoting international cooperation and understanding.
He discussed various strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing force structure, enhancing operational capabilities, and improving personnel welfare.
The CAS also provided insights into ongoing and upcoming projects that aim at enhancing NAF's operational effectiveness.