Abuja, November 5, 2025 — The Directorate of Defence Information (DDI) on Tuesday held a formal handing and taking over ceremony between the outgoing Director, Brigadier General Tukur Ismail Gusau, and the incoming Director, Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba.
The event, which took place at the Defence Headquarters Main Conference Room, Abuja, marked a significant moment in the evolution of the Armed Forces’ public information management.
The transition was witnessed by senior military officers, Directors of Public Relations from the Services and the Nigeria Police Force, communication professionals, family members, and friends, in a ceremony described as both historic and symbolic.
Beyond its official significance, the occasion reflected a deep sense of continuity and shared professional history among the trio of senior officers closely associated with the event. Brigadier General Uba, fondly described by colleagues as a “reluctant godfather,” shares long-standing academic and professional ties with some of the senior public relations officers in attendance. Their relationship dates back to their undergraduate days at the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, where Uba was one year ahead of many of his colleagues.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (fnipr), Brig Gen Uba has earned a reputation for professional excellence and commitment to ethical communication practice. Until his new appointment, he played a key role in media operations, including the successful coordination of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College’s Exercise HASKE BIYU 2025.
Similarly, Brigadier General Gusau, also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (fnipr) and a Member of the National Institute (mni), has served with distinction across multiple communication and leadership roles. His tenure as Director of Defence Information was widely commended for strategic engagement, professionalism, and enhanced civil-military relations.
Recalling the professional journeys of both officers, a former Director of Army Public Relations, who had previously worked closely with them, expressed deep personal pride at witnessing the transition. He noted that Brig Gen Uba was once released from the Army Public Relations Corps to pioneer the Nigeria Customs Service Staff College, Gwagwalada, while Brig Gen Gusau had succeeded him as Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, before later excelling as Spokesman for the Minister of Defence.
He further highlighted that Brig Gen Uba made history when he transitioned from the Directorate of Army Public Relations to the Infantry Corps and later commanded a Brigade in the North East with exceptional results. “To see them years later leading the public information arm of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, one seamlessly handing over to the other, fills me with immense pride and satisfaction,” he remarked.
The ceremony underscored the military’s emphasis on continuity, mentorship, and professionalism in its public communication system. Observers described the atmosphere as vibrant and reflective of the camaraderie and sense of shared purpose that define the Nigerian military’s communication leadership.
As the transition takes effect, Brig Gen Gusau was commended for his sterling service and professionalism, while Brig Gen Uba was wished a successful tenure as he assumes responsibility for managing the Defence Headquarters’ communication apparatus.
Analysts say his wealth of experience, humility, and strategic insight will further elevate the standards of defence information management and strengthen engagement between the Armed Forces and the public in promoting national unity and understanding.
 on Tuesday held a formal handing and taking over ceremony between the outgoing Director, Brigadier General Tukur Ismail Gusau, and the incoming Director, Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba.){kind=link}