In Abuja on Wednesday, the State Security Services (SSS) announced that they have created the Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications (DPRSC) with Peter Afunanya as its first director.
The SSS is committed to serving citizens and the public, and the creation of the DPRSC is a part of that commitment. Furthermore, the management’s goal is to improve democratic governance, transparency, and accountability in their service delivery.
He said Afunanya, the former SSS public relations officer, would head the directorate as supervising director and would also be in charge of the service’s public communications.
The statement said the appointment came into effect on September 26, adding that the SSS had commended its Director General, Yusuf Bichi, for the initiative to expand and appoint Mr Afunanya to lead the directorate.
“Afunanya enters his new role with over 20 years of vast and rich experience in intelligence analysis, threat assessment, security management, VIP protection/detailing, investigation and counterterrorism.
“The new director also has experience in open source intelligence management, background checks and security verification, surveillance, security/intelligence sector governance, democratic accountability in law enforcement, educational research and peace advocacy.
“He has also gained experience in alternative dispute resolution, development communication, inter-agency cooperation/liaison, joint operations, teaching, public and media relations, reputation management and strategic communication,” the statement said.
Mr. Afunanya holds a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies from Nasarawa State University, Keffi and a Masters in Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Ilorin.
He said the new principal obtained a Masters Degree in English Language from the University of Uyo after graduating from Abia State University, Uturu with a Second Class Higher Division in English Language.