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), in recognition of his contributions to defence journalism and the institutional development of the association.
The honour recognises Kana’s support for DECAN during his tenure as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, where he supported initiatives aimed at improving the ministry’s operations, strengthening engagement with defence correspondents and advancing military healthcare delivery.
DECAN said Kana demonstrated a strong commitment to constructive relations between the defence establishment and the media, facilitating professional engagement with journalists covering defence and security matters.
His contributions also included support for the successful registration of DECAN with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a development that gave the association formal corporate recognition and strengthened its institutional standing.
The registration marked a significant milestone in DECAN’s development, enhancing its organisational capacity to pursue its objectives of promoting professionalism, responsible reporting and informed public discourse on defence and national security.
As Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Kana was involved in administrative leadership and initiatives relating to the ministry’s operations, including efforts to improve military healthcare services.
The association said the conferment reflects its appreciation of individuals whose contributions have helped strengthen professional collaboration between government institutions and defence journalists.
The recognition also highlights the importance of cooperation between public institutions and the media in promoting transparency, accountability and public understanding of defence and security issues.
DECAN continues to engage stakeholders across the defence and security sector to advance professional journalism and support informed reporting on issues affecting Nigeria’s national security.
