Ahead of the 2023 elections, the Department of State Services (DSS) has commenced training of its personnel in the area of public relations.
The Spokesperson for the agency, Dr Peter Afunanya on Monday said the DSS had between January 18 and 21, 2023, at its National Headquarters, Abuja, held a four-day Strategic Workshop for its State Directors of Security and Heads of Institutions.
He said the workshop was part of the Service’s preparedness for the general election.
During the exercise, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, presented a keynote address on the preparation of the Commission towards the election.
He assured the Service of the commission’s determination to deliver a free, fair and credible election.
“Also, the commission, through its Director of Legal, Oluwatoyin Babalola, educated participants on the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for security agencies.
“The Service reviewed the security situation in the country and assured INEC of its support which is in line with the President’s pronouncement to the world to bequeath a free and fair election.
“As part of related training and courses outlined for personnel for the period, a capacity building seminar in Public Relations was declared open by the DGSS today, January 23, 2023, for mid-level officers drawn from the State Commands.
“Resource persons from the media, public relations practice and the academia are participating in the seminar,” the statement by the spokesperson on Monday reads.
Afunanya added that the DG, DSS, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, used the occasions to reiterate the need for professionalism and neutrality of personnel in the discharge of the Service’s mandate before, during and after the general election