The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has decorated the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, reaffirming public trust as a key force multiplier for military operations.
The decoration, held on Tuesday formally recognised Colonel Anele’s dedication, professionalism, and exemplary service, particularly in strategic communication during a period of heightened security operations across the country.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Staff Officer 1 Information/Publicity, Major Akinola Ajibola, “the Army Chief used the brief but symbolic ceremony to emphasise the critical role of public confidence in the success of military operations.”
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the Army Chief urged the Directorate of Army Public Relations to sustain credible, responsible and professional engagement with the public.
He stressed that “transparent, accountable and timely communication remains central to sustaining national confidence in the Armed Forces.”
“Public trust is a strategic enabler for military operations. Effective and credible communication strengthens national confidence, supports operational success and reinforces the bond between the Army and the people it serves,” the Army Chief stated.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further tasked the newly decorated Acting Director to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and loyalty, while mentoring officers and soldiers under her command to enhance the overall effectiveness and institutional capacity of the Directorate.
In her vote of thanks, Colonel Appolonia Anele expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff for what she described as visionary leadership, purposeful guidance and mentorship that have shaped her professional growth and career progression.
She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening strategic communication, projecting the Nigerian Army responsibly and sustaining public confidence in support of ongoing and future military operations.
The ceremony was attended by Senior officers, serving and retired, including former Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni; Colonel Mustapha Anka (Rtd) mni, as well as family members, friends and well-wishers.
Lateefah Ibrahim