The Director, Defence Information of the Nigerian Military, John Agim, has been appointed Chairman of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies, FOSSRA.
Mr Agim, who is a brigadier-general, was unveiled as the Chairman during the forum’s meeting at the Centre for Crisis Communication, CCC, FOSSRA’s secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.
A statement on Thursday by the Executive Secretary of the CCC, Yusuf Anas, said the meeting which was chaired by Mr Agim also reviewed the recent socio-political and economic developments in the country and the attendant security implications.
Mr Anas, who is a retired air commodore, therefore, pointed out that the forum has agreed to work more on conflict sensitive communication and to also partner each other in the management and dissemination of security information in the interest of the country.
The statement read: “The meeting had in attendance, spokespersons of the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Service (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Nigerian Prisons Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
“Other members of the forum include Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Federal Fire Service.”
The statement also reviewed the CV of the newly elected chairman of the forum who began his military career in 1992 when he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army.
“He holds a Bachelor degree BA (Hons) Communication Arts from the University of Uyo; Master’s in Public Relations from the University Of Nigeria; Masters in Mass Communication from Enugu State University of Science and Technology and PhD in Mass Communication from University of Uyo.
“In the course of his career, Brigadier General John Agim attended various military courses some of which are; Junior Staff College Jaji, United Nation Peace Keeping and International Conflict Resolution 2003, Certificate of Participation Nigerian Army Security Awareness 2011, London Leadership course 2012, Information Operations Course London, and Several other Seminars in Public Relations.
“He was Commandant of the Nigeria Army School of Public Relations and Information, Lagos between 2014 and 8 January 2018 when he was appointed Director Defence Information. He has also published books on Public Relations practice.
“Brigadier General John Agim is a qualified Public relation spokesperson and a Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations FNIPR. Honours and awards received: Forces Service Star FSS, Meritorious Service Star MSS, Distinguish Service Star DSS, Golden Jubilee Medal GJM, United Nations Medal, Training Support Medal TSM,” the statement said.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that FOSSRA was established to deepen collaboration and synergy between and among spokespersons of military, security, intelligence and response agencies in Nigeria.
