- Safiu Kehinde
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has decorated the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel.
Shaibu decorated Aneke with the new rank at a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja on Wednesday.
The COAS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, commended Anele’s professionalism and unwavering commitment.
According to a statement issued on the Army’s official X handle, the Army Chief charged the Directorate of Army Public Relations to sustain its efforts in projecting the Nigerian Army’s image responsibly and credibly.
He underscored the indispensable role of public trust in the success of military operations.
Shaibu further urged Directorate to strengthen transparent, accountable and timely communication on the activities of the Nigerian Army, stressing that effective strategic communication remains vital in bolstering national confidence in the Armed Forces.
He tasked the Acting Director to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and loyalty, while mentoring her subordinates to enhance the overall effectiveness and capacity of the Directorate.
In her vote of thanks, Colonel Anele expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS for their visionary leadership, purposeful guidance and mentorship, which she described as instrumental to her career advancement.
The event was attended by dignitaries including former Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni; Colonel Mustapha Anka (Rtd) mni, senior officers serving and retired; alongside family members, friends and well-wishers.