Meet Kogi Governor’s New Security Adviser, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara

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Profile of Commander Duro Jerry Omodara (rtd), the new State Security Adviser

Commander Duro Jerry Omodara (Rtd) was born on 8 August 1963 at Oke – Offin, Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State. He attended LEA Primary School Oke – Offin, Haliru Abdul Teacher’s College BirninKebbi, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and Lagos State University, Ojo Lagos. Certificates earned include, Grade II Teacher’s Certificate (1981), Certificate in Journalism (1984) Diploma in Law (1986) BSc Political Science/Education (1999). Diploma in Basic Protocols from the International School of Protocol and Diplomacy, Brussels, Belgium (2013).

He began his journalism career at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Sokoto where he worked between 1981 – 1984. He thereafter enlisted into the Nigerian Navy as a Journalist in 1988 and received Basic Military Training at the Nigerian Navy Basic and Divisional Training School, Port-Harcourt Nigeria. He was Under Training Officer at the Nigerian Naval College Onura Onne (1997) and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant in 1998. He proceeded to the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji for his Junior Staff Course in 2003.

Commander Omodara (Rtd) has held several appointments in the Nigerian Navy as a Public Relations and Protocol Officer. He was one time Staff Officer III, Naval Training Command (1998 – 99) Staff Officer II Information, Naval Headquarters (1999 – 2001), Public Relation Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria (2002 – 2003), Base Information Officer, Nigerian Naval Ship, DELTA (2004 – 2006), Staff Officer II (Press)Naval Headquarters (2006), Public Relation Officer, National Defence College (2006 – 2007), Staff Officer Information and Media Relations, Naval Headquarters (2008 – 2011), Command Information Officer, Western Naval Command, Lagos (2011 – 2013), College Public Relations Officer, National Defence College, Nigeria (2013 – 2015). He voluntarily retired from the Nigerian Navy on 23 March 2015 after 27 years of meritorious Service to the Nation. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Corporate and Protocols Nig. Ltd, Abuja.

He has in the past coordinated protocol and media related seminars, workshops, exercises and conferences for the Nigerian Navy. He was Public Affairs Officer for the Nigerian Navy at Exercise Obangame Express, a multinational Maritime Exercise in Douala, Cameroon from 25 – 28 Feb 2013. He served as Head of Media Relations at the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Conference involving 23 Countries from the globe from 27 – 30 July 2013 in Calabar, Nigeria. He coordinated the Protocol for the Nigerian Navy at the First Offshore Patrol Vessels Africa Conference from 27 – 30 August 2013 in Lagos.

Certificates, Awards and Honours he has earned in the course of his career are: Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding participating and performance in the course on “Military Communications with the public in a Democratic Government by US Department of Defence and American Embassy, Abuja” 25-29 June 2001; Certificate of Excellence by United Nations in appreciation of outstanding contribution to the United Nations Senior Mission Leaders Course 12-23 March 2007; Certificate of Attendance at Enclair House, Leadership & Skills Training for Intensive training in website development and management 17 Nov 2007; Certificate of Attendance at African Public Relations Association 2010 at International Conference Centre Abuja; Certificate of Attendance at National Seminar on “Effective Information Management and Public Relations practice in Government Establishments by Federal Ministry of Information, 15-16 Nov 2011; Certificate of Participation in Effective Media Management in Crisis situations organised by the School of Media and Communication, Pan-African University Lagos. 17-19 Sept 12; Certificate of Membership by Protocol and Diplomacy International Protocol Officers Association USA 2013; Distinguished Personality Award for exemplary and quality leadership roles in Bunuland by Local Govt Secondary School Aiyede Bunu on 17 May2014; Certificate of Participation, Life Outside paid Employment, by Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture 9-13 Dec 14.

In his quest for optimal development for his people, he joined the All Progressive Congress (APC) as a member in April 2015. Commander Omodara (Rtd) is a unifying factor for the APC in Kabba/Bunu LGA. He was able to bring leaders of the party together especially in Bunu District to forge a common and progressive purpose during the 2015 Governorship Election in Kogi State. He is currently a member of APC Elders Forum in Kabba/Bunu LGA.

Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd) is widely travelled. Some of his visits abroad were as member of Study Group of the National Defence College Nigeria to study how some specific areas of their national policies affect their national economy. Among the countries he has visited include the United States of America, United Kingdom, Belgium, India, Japan, Dubai and China. Others are Trinidad & Tobago, Ethiopia, Republic of Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Niger, etc. He has visited almost all the states in Nigeria. He speaks English, Yoruba, Hausa languages, and Okun dialect.

He is an ardent and committed community leader with special interest in youth and women empowerment. He is currently the President of Oke-Offin Development Association, Kogi State; A non-political association that is centred on promotion of peace, youth development, establishment of good social relationships and preservation of customs, values and traditions heritage of the Community. A onetime Vice President of Bunu Interest Group, a non-political Group with the sole aim of eradicating social vices among youths, promotion of community development in Bunu land. Commander Omodara (Rtd) is a “Member Buddy” for the Protocol and Diplomacy International-Protocol Officers Association for intending new members in West African Sub-region. He is a church leader and currently the President, Council of Foursquare Men, Garki District, Abuja.

He is decorated with Pass Junior Staff College (pjsc), Forces Service Star Medal (FSS). He is a member of Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA) USA.His hobbies include observing nature, watching wild documentaries, and gardening.

He is married to Mrs Bosede Omodara and they are blessed with a boy, Eyiwumi Omodara.His life philosophy is hinged on service and service delivery.