DSS Establishes Directorate Of Public Relations, Strategic Communications
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
As part of its efforts at sustaining engagement with citizens and the public at large as well as deepening democratic governance, transparency and accountability, the Department of State Services, DSS, has established the Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications.
The DSS also appointed, the erstwhile Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peter Afunanya, to head the Directorate as the supervising Director and also be in charge of the Service’s public communications.
The appointment took effect from 26th September, 2023.
The Service, applauded its Director General, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, for undertaking the initiative to expand and for particularly appointing Dr Afunanya to pilot the Directorate.
A statement by the new Directorate, gave a brief profile of the pioneer Director, Afunanya, saying he comes to the new role with over 20 years vast and rich experience in intelligence analysis, threat assessment, security administration, VIP protection/detailing, investigation, counterterrorism, open source intelligence management, background checks and security vetting,
He is also knowledgeable on surveillance, security sector/intelligence governance, democratic accountability in law enforcement, educational research, peace advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, development communications, interagency cooperation/liaison, joint operations, teaching, public and media relations, reputation management, strategic communication, protocol and diplomatic affairs, writing, public speaking, stakeholder engagement among others.
The statement added that Afunanya has a Ph.D in Security and Strategic Studies from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, possesses a Master’s degree in Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Kwara State and a Master of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Uyo in 2009.
It noted that earlier, Afunanya, had graduated from Abia State University, Uturu, in 1997 with a Second Class Upper Division in English Language. He was a recipient of President’s NYSC National Honours Award for Outstanding Performance (1998/1999) Service Year; Edo State NYSC Meritorious Honours Award (1998/99) etc.
Since his enlistment into the DSS in 1999, Afunanya has attended many courses in leadership, management, executive intelligence management, preventing and countering violent extremism as well as tradecrafts at the Service’s training institutions.
