Northern PR Stars: Seasoned Crisis Managers
By Maryam Na-Allah Umar-Baba
In today’s dynamic and interconnected world, Public Relations (PR) has emerged as a formidable force, shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the Northern region of Nigeria has also witnessed an impressive rise in its PR industry, with a wave of talented professionals making their mark on the communication landscape within and outside the country.
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The North has also produced iconic Communicators, scholars, spokespersons and other PR practitioners who contribute in defining contemporary issues in the public relations industry.
Spokesperson’s Digest, a sister publication of PRNigeria presents three crisis managers per excellence it regards as outstanding in Crisis Communication from the North.
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Brig Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd): The Military Spokesman Loathed by Terrorists
Due to his effective counter-terrorism campaign, the then Boko Haram Leader, Abubakar Shekau, declared Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd.) as enemy Number 1 to their Boko Haram terror group.
Before his voluntary retirement from the Nigerian Army in February 2019, Gen. Sani Kukasheka was the Director of Army Public Relations and spokesman for the counter-insurgency media campaign.
While in service, he promoted hard work, dedication, professional excellence and transformed public relations practice and strategic communication in the Nigerian Army. It was not surprising that immediately after his retirement, he was appointed the Consultant Director, Corporate Affairs and Information at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.
SK Usman, as he is popularly called, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master of Arts degree in Media, Peace and Conflict Studies from the United Nations Mandated University for Peace (UPEACE), San Jose, Costa Rica.
He also attended the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, as a member of Senior Executive Course 40, 2018. While in the military, he served in various units and formations of the Nigerian Army and had two tours of duty on United Nations Peace Keeping Operations in Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Eritrea.
He also held several command and staff appointments in various formations and units of the Nigerian Army as a communication strategist. Brig. Gen. SK Usman attended several professional courses, seminars, and workshops both within Nigeria and abroad throughout his impeccable military career.
These include Senior Officers’ Spokesman’s Course at Joint Information Activities Group, Royal Air Force, Halton, London, the United Kingdom; Journalists Protection in Conflict Zone course at Hellenic National Defence General Staff Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre, Greece.
Other courses include the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jai; Media Operations Course at Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra Ghana; and Professionalizing Protocol, Information and Press Duties at African Business School Johannesburg, South Africa, amongst others.
A prolific writer and resourceful person, SK Usman has written many articles published in newspapers, magazines and journals. He has also delivered papers at strategic military institutions and seminars and workshops in Nigeria and other African countries on leadership, crisis, and strategic communication.
He belongs to various professional bodies including, member of the prestigious National Institute (mni), a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (fnipr) and member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fellow African Public Relations Association (FAPRA), and Fellow, Nigerian Army Resource Centre (FNARC), as well as Fellow, Institute of Organisational and Administrative Risk Management of Nigeria (FIOARM) and Fellow, Society for Peace Studies and Practice (fspsp).
A holder of the traditional title of Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina, General Kukasheka is the National Publicity Secretary of the Alumni Association of the National Institute, and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Governing Council
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Yusuf Anas: Ex-NAF Image-Maker Now Doyen of Crisis Communication
Yusuf Anas, a retired Air Commodore, is the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC). The Centre which is a brainchild of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), serves as a think-tank and clearing house for crisis communication in the country.
It also provides a systematic approach to crisis information management, ensuring the safety of the public and strategic stakeholders.
After an illustrious career in the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Anas continues to leave his mark in the world of public relations.
Born on October 16, 1960, Anas joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 27th Regular Course, where he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on July 4, 1982, launching his journey in the Nigerian Air Force.
His pursuit of education was relentless, as evidenced by his impressive academic achievements. He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Political Science from the University of Jos in 1993 and went on to complete a Master of Science (MSc) in Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan in 2010.
He also earned another Master of Science (MSc) in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Benue State University in 2008. His commitment to self-improvement led him to pursue diplomas in Journalism and Public Relations from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, and the Senior International Public Relations Business School, University of London, respectively.
Throughout his career, Air Commodore Anas demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, serving in various crucial roles within the Nigerian Air Force. From being the Staff Officer 2 Information (SO2) at Headquarters Training Command, to holding the position of Director of Public Relations and Information at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, his impact was profound.
Anas’ contributions were not limited to his service in the Nigerian Air Force. He ventured into academia, conducting research projects on topics like, “Peace Keeping Operations in Africa: A case study of ECOMOG Operations in Liberia” and “Conflicts in West Africa: Implications for ECOWAS Development.”
These endeavors showcased his intellectual prowess and his commitment to understanding the intricacies of African affairs.
He belongs to a number of professional associations including the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), African Public Relations Association (APRA), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), among others.
Recognized both nationally and internationally, Air Commodore Anas received accolades and honors for his exceptional achievements in public relations. He was awarded the prestigious title of “Best Man of the Year” by the American Biographical Institute for his outstanding pursuits in the field of public relations and also led the Centre of Crisis Communication for winning African Excellence Award in South Africa 2016, Africa SBARE Award 2017 and Golden World Award in Bulgaria 2017.
Air Commodore Yusuf Anas’ remarkable achievements, unwavering dedication, and commitment to self-improvement have cemented his position as a revered figure in the field of Crisis Communication.
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Comptroller Joseph Attah (rtd): The Anti-smuggling Czar of Nigeria Customs
Concerned over the massive smuggling of contraband, especially foreign rice into Nigeria, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), after a Presidential Directive mounted aggressive awareness campaigns in tackling the menace and boosting the nation’s revenue. The campaign was targeted at policymakers, security agencies, media, farmers, and consumers.
Within a year and due to effective campaigns on enforcement and awareness creation, from over 70% of foreign rice predominant in Nigeria markets was reduced to 37%. This invariably translates to an increase of Nigerian rice in the market from less than 30% to over 60% within the period.
Behind the campaign was the spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Joseph Attah (rtd), who led the task force by deploying relevant tools of crisis communication at curtailing the smuggling of the contraband into the country.
The strategic public relations campaigns later won several awards locally and internationally in 2020.
Joseph Attah is a highly accomplished and respected public relations professional, known for his expertise in strategic communication and crisis management. Born in 1966, Attah’s dedication to serving the nation led him to enlist in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in 1988, where he embarked on a remarkable 35-year career marked by meritorious service.
With a solid educational background, Joseph Attah acquired several qualifications to consolidate his experience as a Crisis Manager. Some of the qualifications he acquired inluded a Master’s in International Diplomacy & Strategic Studies from Lead City University Ibadan, a PGD in Public Relations from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), a BSc in Criminology & Security Studies from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), a Higher Diploma in Marketing from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and a Diploma in PR from the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
His dedication to professional development is evident through numerous capacity-building courses, which have enriched his skill set.
Throughout his illustrious career, Joseph Attah demonstrated exceptional leadership and communication abilities. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Public Relations Officer of The Nigeria Customs Service, where his strategic communication initiatives played a pivotal role in enhancing internal and external communication within the organization.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of public relations, Joseph Attah received esteemed awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) gold, the World Customs Organization Certificate of Merit, and accolades from various NGOs.
He also earned prestigious recognition from the African PR Association [APRA] and the International PR Association [IPRA] for Government Policy Communication in 2020.
In his role as Customs Area Comptroller, Kebbi Area command, from 2022 to 2023, Joseph Attah’s leadership and crisis management skills were evident, guiding the command through successful operations until his retirement.
Currently, as the CEO of ASPURE Consultancy Limited, Joseph Oboshi Attah continues to make significant contributions to the public relations industry. Leveraging his extensive experience, diverse qualifications, and proven accomplishments, he provides top-notch services to his clients, exemplifying the epitome of excellence in strategic communication and public relations.
His commitment to the advancement of the profession and the nation’s welfare remains unwavering, making him a highly respected figure in the field of public relations in Nigeria.
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*Maryam Na-Allah Umar-Baba, a Staff Writer with the Spokesperson’s Digest is an alumnus of Leeds Beckett University obtaining a Bsc in Media Communication Culture and a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Email: [email protected]
