DSS Establish New DPRSC, Appoints Dr. Afunanya As Supervising Director
By Zakaa Lazarus
The Department of State Services (DSS), has established a new Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications (DPRSC).
This was revealed in a statement issued by the directorate on Tuesday in Abuja.
The creation of the directorate was part of efforts in sustaining its engagement with citizens and the public at large as well as deepening democratic governance, transparency and accountability.
The statement also revealed that the erstwhile public relations officer, Peter Afunanya, is to head the new unit as the supervising director.
He is also going to be in charge of the service’s public communications.
The appointment took effect from September 26, the statement indicated.
The Service commended its director general, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, for the initiative to undertake the expansion and particularly appointing Afunanya to pilot the directorate.
The statement reads in parts : “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.
“A Ph.D holder in Security and Strategic Studies which he bagged in 2019 from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Afunanya also possesses a Master’s degree in Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Kwara State from where he graduated in 2011. Similarly, he obtained a Master of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Uyo in 2009.
“Earlier, Afunanya 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) .
