Why DECAN Honoured Dr. Kana: Recognising a Legacy of Support for Defence Journalism

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The relationship between the military, government institutions and the media remains critical to promoting transparency, accountability and public understanding of national security issues.

At a time when defence journalism continues to play an increasingly important role in informing Nigerians about security developments, recognising individuals who contribute to its growth is both significant and necessary.

It is against this background that the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has conferred its patron title on Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

The honour is not merely a ceremonial recognition of a senior public servant. Rather, it represents the association's appreciation of his contributions to defence journalism, institutional development and the strengthening of professional relationships between defence correspondents and the Ministry of Defence.

Kana's recognition is particularly significant because of his record of engagement with defence journalists during his tenure as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, where he supported initiatives aimed at improving the ministry's operations and advancing military healthcare delivery.

For DECAN, the conferment provides an opportunity to acknowledge the value of public officials who understand that a functional relationship between government institutions and the media is essential to effective public communication, particularly in the sensitive field of defence and national security.

Beyond a Ceremonial Title

One of the most notable contributions associated with Kana's recognition is his support for the formal registration of DECAN with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

For a professional association representing journalists covering defence and security, formal corporate registration is an important step towards institutional maturity. It provides an official identity and strengthens the association's organisational standing as it pursues its professional objectives.

DECAN's registration marked a significant milestone in its development, creating a stronger institutional foundation for its activities and engagements with stakeholders across the defence and security sector.

The process also underscores the importance of administrative support and constructive engagement in building professional organisations.

By supporting an initiative that helped the association secure formal recognition, Kana contributed to a process that went beyond individual relationships to address the institutional needs of defence correspondents.

The development is particularly relevant in a profession where credible representation, professional standards and sustained engagement with relevant authorities are essential to effective reporting.

For DECAN, therefore, recognising Kana as a patron reflects appreciation for a contribution that helped strengthen the association's organisational identity and capacity.

Strengthening Defence-Media Relations

Defence journalism occupies a unique position in Nigeria's media landscape. Reporters covering the military and other security agencies must navigate complex operational realities while providing the public with accurate, balanced and timely information.This responsibility requires professionalism on the part of journalists, but it also depends on constructive engagement with the institutions they cover.

Although national security considerations sometimes place limits on the information that can be released publicly, an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation can help improve communication, reduce information gaps and promote responsible reporting.

Kana's engagement with defence correspondents during his time at the Ministry of Defence was recognised by DECAN as an example of the value of such cooperation.

His support helped facilitate interactions between the ministry and journalists, reinforcing the importance of maintaining professional channels of communication between public institutions and the media.

For journalists covering defence and security, access to credible information is fundamental to their work. Equally, government institutions benefit when their policies, programmes and activities are accurately communicated to the public.

A productive relationship between both sides can therefore serve the broader public interest by promoting informed discussion of security challenges and government responses.

The recognition of Kana underscores DECAN's appreciation of this relationship and the individuals who contribute to strengthening it.

The Military Healthcare Dimension

Kana's tenure as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence also involved administrative leadership and initiatives relating to the ministry's operations, including efforts directed at improving military healthcare delivery.

Military healthcare is an important component of national defence because the effectiveness of the armed forces depends not only on operational preparedness but also on the health and welfare of personnel.

The provision of appropriate medical services supports the wellbeing of serving personnel and contributes to the wider institutional capacity of the military.

Although the DECAN patron title primarily reflects the association's appreciation of Kana's support for defence journalism and its institutional development, his involvement in broader ministry initiatives provides additional context to his public service record.

It also illustrates the range of administrative responsibilities handled by senior officials within the defence establishment, where policy implementation, institutional coordination and personnel welfare remain important considerations.

Why the Recognition Matters

The conferment of the patron title carries significance beyond the individual recipient.

For DECAN, recognising individuals who have supported its development helps reinforce the importance of professional collaboration and institutional sustainability.

Professional associations often depend on the commitment of their members, but their growth can also benefit from constructive engagement with public officials and other stakeholders who appreciate their objectives.

By honouring Kana, the association is drawing attention to the role that supportive institutional leadership can play in strengthening professional journalism.

The recognition also sends a message about the importance of maintaining cordial but independent relationships between government institutions and journalists.

Such relationships should be built on mutual respect, professional responsibility and an appreciation of the distinct roles each party plays in a democratic society.

While public officials are responsible for implementing government policies and safeguarding institutional interests, journalists have a duty to independently scrutinise public affairs, verify information and report matters of public interest accurately.

Constructive engagement can help both sides fulfil these responsibilities without compromising journalistic independence or legitimate national security concerns.

A Recognition of Institutional Contribution

Kana's emergence as a patron of DECAN represents an acknowledgement of the contributions attributed to him during his service at the Ministry of Defence.

The association's decision highlights three major areas of impact: support for professional engagement with defence correspondents, assistance towards its formal registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and his broader administrative involvement in the Ministry of Defence, including initiatives relating to military healthcare.

Taken together, these factors provide the basis for understanding why DECAN considers him deserving of the honour.

More importantly, the recognition reinforces the need to appreciate public servants whose contributions help strengthen professional institutions and improve relationships between government and the media.

As DECAN continues its engagement with stakeholders across Nigeria's defence and security sector, the association's recognition of Kana serves as a reminder that the advancement of defence journalism requires not only committed reporters but also constructive institutional partnerships.

Ultimately, the value of the patron title will be reflected in the continued growth of DECAN, the professionalism of its members and the quality of its contribution to public understanding of defence and national security issues.

For an association seeking to strengthen its institutional standing and promote responsible defence reporting, recognising those who have supported its journey is an important part of building a sustainable professional future.