From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The newly appointed Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Apolonia Anele, has assumed office with a call on the media to remain professional in reporting military activities and sustain the tempo.
She has also called on the media to continue to uphold truth, fairness and responsibility in their reportage for the good of our great country, Nigeria.
Anele, who is the first female officer to be appointed Army spokesperson took over from her predecessor, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, at a handing and taking over ceremony held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In her address at the ceremony, Anele, who thanked the Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede, for finding her worthy to project the image of the Nigerian Army, promised to justify the confidence reposed on her by remaining absolutely loyal, committed, focused and results-driven.
She said the task ahead of her was enormous but surmountable.
She said:”Firstly, to be entrusted with this strategic role as the Nigerian Army spokesperson being the first female officer in the history of the Nigerian Army and indeed Armed Forces of Nigeria. Therefore, I owe this opportunity to the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede. Sir, I thank you most sincerely for finding me worthy of this appointment. I assure you and the entire leadership of the Nigerian Army that I will justify this confidence by remaining absolutely loyal, committed, focused and results-driven.”
Anele, who payed glowing tribute to her predecessor, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, whose passion, resilience, and professionalism she noted, laid a formidable foundation and transformed the Directorate of Army Public Relations to an enviable state.
She said: “Your contributions to enhancing the image and strategic communication of the Nigerian Army are remarkable over the years you served as director. Sir, you remain an integral part of the DAPR family, and I will always value your counsel and support. To the dedicated officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of this great Directorate, I thank you for your enduring commitment. Your collective efforts have kept the Directorate effective and respected. Therefore, I count on your continued support and cooperation as we work together to further enhance the Directorate’s capacity and relevance.
The the media, particularly the defence correspondents, Anele, said “you are our partners in progress. I commend your professionalism in reporting military activities and encourage you to sustain the tempo. However, let us continue to uphold truth, fairness and responsibility in our engagements for the good of our great country, Nigeria.
The newly appointed army army spokesman, who also commended Nigerians for their trust and support to the Nigerian Army, urged them not not to relent as the army work tirelessly to safeguard our nation’s peace, unity, and sovereignty.
“As I begin this journey, I pledge to lead the Directorate with transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness. We will continue to tell the Nigerian Army’s story, not just through words, but through actions that reflect honour, sacrifice, responsibility and service to the nation.
“Lastly, I would like to implore the officers, soldiers and civilian staff of this Directorate to remain loyal, hardworking, focused and united, knowing that with shared vision and collective effort, we will take Army Public Relations to greater heights”.