Kogi State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Duro Omodara (rtd), alongside other eminent Nigerians will headline this year’s Iyara Cultural Day.
Alh. Aliyu Badaki, National President of Iyara Development Association (IDA), a sociocultural group in Ijumu local government area of Kogi state, announced on Monday that Omodara will chair the 2024 Iyara cultural day.
In a statement signed by Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Director, Media and Publicity, Iyara Cultural Day, the choice of Commander Omodara is as a result of his sterling leadership qualities and meritorious service to the country as a reputable security expert and retired naval officer.
The epoch making event is scheduled to hold on Saturday 26th October 2024 at Iyara Civic Centre at 10am prompt.
Commander Omodara served as the State Security Adviser to the immediate past Governor of the State, Alh. Yahaya Bello and was reappointed by the incumbent Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo in view of his track records in the safety of lives and property.
He has earned several certificates, amongst which are; Grade II Teacher’s Certificate from Haliru Abdul Teacher’s College Birnin Kebbi in 1981, Certificate in Journalism Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos in 1984, Diploma in Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1986, and BSc Political Science/Education, Lagos State University in 1999.
The pragmatic and dogged leader also had a Diploma in Basic Protocols from the International School of Protocol and Diplomacy, Brussels, Belgium (2013). A Certificate in National Security and Country Resilience from Galilee International Management Institute, Israel.
He was 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 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 Relations 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 Relations 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). He was also the College Public Relations Officer, National Defence College, Nigeria (2013 – 2014) from where he voluntarily retired from the Nigerian Navy on 26 March 2014. He was appointed the State Security Adviser to Kogi State Government on 1st June, 2016, and re-appointed to same position on 29 February, 2020 the position he held till date.
Commander Jerry Omodara is widely travelled; Europe, Asia, Australia, including Africa. He is an ardent and committed community developer with special interest in youth and women empowerment
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.
He is married to Mrs Bosede Omodara and they are blessed with children. He speaks English, Yoruba, Hausa and Okun languages. His hobbies include watching nature, wild documentaries and gardening. His life philosophy is hinged on service and service delivery.
