From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS), has established a new Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications (DPRSC).
The new directorate is part of efforts in sustaining its engagement with citizens and the public at large as well as deepening democratic governance, transparency and accountability.
The DSS in a statement by Peter Afunanya, the erstwhile public relations officer as head and supervising director of the new unit, said: “The Department of State Services (DSS), as part of efforts in sustaining its engagement with citizens and the public at large as well as deepening democratic governance, transparency and accountability, has established a new Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications (DPRSC). Consequently, it has appointed Peter Nnochirionye Afunanya, the erstwhile Public Relations Officer, 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 has commended its Director General, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, for the initiative to undertake the expansion and particularly appointing Afunanya to pilot the Directorate.
Afunanya comes to his 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, surveillance, security sector/intelligence governance, democratic accountability in law enforcement, educational research, peace advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, development communication, 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.