The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has decorated the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel in recognition of her distinguished service and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army.
According to a statement by Major Akinola Ajibola, Acting Staff Officer 1 (Information/Publicity), Directorate of Army Public Relations, the decoration took place on Tuesday during a brief but colourful ceremony at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
During the event, the COAS praised Colonel Anele for her professionalism and dedication, emphasising the crucial role of the Directorate of Army Public Relations in shaping public perception of the Nigerian Army.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, he stressed that public trust remains essential to the success of military operations.
He urged the Directorate to continue strengthening transparent, accountable and timely communication, noting that effective strategic communication is vital to maintaining national confidence in the Armed Forces.
The Army Chief also charged Colonel Anele to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and loyalty while mentoring her subordinates to enhance the Directorate’s overall capacity and effectiveness.
In her vote of thanks, Colonel Anele expressed deep appreciation to God, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS for their leadership and mentorship.
She described their guidance as instrumental to her professional growth and career progression.
The ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including former Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd); Colonel Mustapha Anka (Rtd); serving and retired senior officers; as well as family members, friends and well-wishers.
In a related development, the Nigerian Army has strengthened its defence ties with the Indian military.
Colonel Anele, in another statement, disclosed that the strategic defence partnership between both countries received a boost during the visit of the Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Manoj Singh, to the Chief of Army Staff at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
She said the visit reaffirmed the commitment of Nigeria and India to enhancing bilateral military cooperation and advancing shared security objectives.
Colonel Singh, in his remarks, commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in addressing security challenges across the country and expressed gratitude for the warm reception.
He reiterated India’s willingness to broaden defence cooperation, expand training opportunities for Nigerian personnel and deepen technical exchanges in areas of mutual interest.
Responding, Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong and enduring partnership with the Indian Armed Forces.
He acknowledged India’s decades-long support in military training, capacity building and defence development, describing it as invaluable.
He also emphasised the need to further collaborate in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, equipment support and professional military education.
Linus Aleke
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