By Adesakin Adefemi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, decorated the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel on December 9, 2025, in recognition of her steadfast dedication and exemplary service to the Nigerian Army.
The promotion ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, was a testament to Colonel Anele’s unwavering commitment to excellence in public relations and strategic communication.
At the ceremony, the COAS, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, commended Colonel Anele’s professionalism, dedication, and passion for projecting the Nigerian Army’s image responsibly and credibly. “Your contributions to the Nigerian Army’s public relations efforts have been invaluable, and this promotion is a testament to your hard work and commitment,” the COAS stated.
The Army Chief underscored the indispensable role of public trust in the success of military operations, emphasizing that effective strategic communication remains vital in bolstering national confidence in the Armed Forces. “In today’s complex security landscape, public trust is a strategic enabler that can make or break military operations. The Nigerian Army is committed to transparency, accountability, and timely communication to build and maintain public trust,” he said.
The COAS tasked Colonel Anele to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and loyalty, while mentoring her subordinates to enhance the overall effectiveness and capacity of the Directorate of Army Public Relations. “I charge you to continue to lead by example, inspire your team, and drive innovation in our public relations efforts,” he added.
In her vote of thanks, Colonel Appolonia 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. “I am humbled by this recognition and promise to continue serving the Nigerian Army with distinction and dedication,” she said.
The ceremony 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.
The event marked a significant milestone in Colonel Anele’s career, reflecting her dedication to public service and excellence in strategic communication.
The promotion highlights the Nigerian Army’s commitment to recognizing excellence and promoting effective communication. Colonel Anele’s new role will focus on strategic communication, maintaining public confidence in the Armed Forces, and driving innovation in public relations.
The Nigerian Army aims to bolster national confidence through transparent, accountable, and timely communication, underscoring the importance of public trust in modern military operations.
