The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the establishment of the Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications (DPRSC) and the appointment of Dr Peter Afunanya as its inaugural Director.
In a statement released by the Directorate on Wednesday in Abuja, the creation of the DPRSC is part of the DSS’s ongoing efforts to enhance its interactions with citizens and the public. It also aims to further democratic governance, transparency, and accountability in its service delivery. Dr Afunanya, the former Public Relations Officer of the DSS, will lead the directorate as the supervising director and will be responsible for the service’s public communications.
The statement noted that this appointment is effective from September 26 and praised the Director-General of the DSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, for the initiative to expand and appoint Afunanya to lead the directorate.
Dr Afunanya brings over 20 years of extensive experience to his new role, including expertise in intelligence analysis, threat assessment, security administration, VIP protection/detailing, investigation, and counterterrorism. He is also well-versed in open source intelligence management, background checks, security vetting, surveillance, security sector/intelligence governance, democratic accountability in law enforcement, educational research, and peace advocacy.
Additionally, his experience extends to alternative dispute resolution, development communication, interagency cooperation/liaison, joint operations, teaching, public and media relations, reputation management, and strategic communication, as stated in the release.
Dr Afunanya holds a Ph.D. in Security and Strategic Studies from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and a Master’s degree in Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Ilorin. He obtained a Master of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Uyo after graduating from Abia State University, Uturu, with a Second Class Upper Division in English Language.
