In a significant move towards enhancing public engagement, promoting democratic governance, and ensuring transparency and accountability, the Department of State Services (DSS) has established the Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications (DPRSC). Dr. Peter Nnochirionye Afunanya, the former Public Relations Officer, has been appointed as the Director to lead this Directorate, overseeing the Service’s public communication efforts. This appointment officially commenced on September 26, 2023. The Service expresses its appreciation to Director General Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi for the foresight behind this expansion and the selection of Afunanya to steer the Directorate.
Dr. Afunanya brings to this new role an extensive and diverse career spanning over two decades, marked by proficiency in intelligence analysis, threat assessment, security administration, VIP protection, investigation, counterterrorism, open-source intelligence management, background checks, surveillance, security sector governance, democratic accountability in law enforcement, educational research, peace advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, development communication, interagency cooperation, joint operations, teaching, public and media relations, reputation management, strategic communication, protocol and diplomatic affairs, writing, public speaking, stakeholder engagement, among other areas.
Holder of a Ph.D. in Security and Strategic Studies, which he earned in 2019 from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Dr. Afunanya also holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, which he attained in 2011. He obtained a Master of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Uyo in 2009 and graduated from Abia State University, Uturu, in 1997 with Second Class Upper Division in English Language. His dedication and excellence have earned him several awards, including the President’s NYSC National Honours Award for Outstanding Performance (1998/1999) Service Year and the Edo State NYSC Meritorious Honours Award (1998/99).
Since joining the DSS in 1999, Dr. Afunanya has pursued extensive training in leadership, management, executive intelligence management, preventing and countering violent extremism, and tradecrafts at the Service’s training institutions. He has also undertaken foreign training programs at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University in the USA (Innovation and Strategy), City University in London (Web Investigation), ARC London (Security Management and Coordination), and Switzerland (Counterterrorism and Strategic Communication). He has held various positions within the DSS, with his most recent role being the Public Relations Officer. He has served on the Board of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Sub Committee of the Presidential Transition Council. Currently, he is a member of the Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy and Coordination Committee (SC/IPCC) within the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Dr. Afunanya is a Fellow of the Security Institute (FSI) and a member of several professional bodies, including the Society for Peace Scholars and Practice (SPSP), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NiCarb), Institute of Chartered Administration of Nigeria, Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Afunanya received the DGSS Meritorious Award in 2021. A dedicated community worker and patriot, he is a family man with a keen interest in photography, golf, volleyball, storytelling, and creative writing, including poetry and short stories
