Acting director of army public relations (DAPR), Lt. Col. Onyinyechi Appolonia Anele, has sought stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and LEADERSHIP Newspapers to enhance reports on the military.
Anele, who led a delegation of senior officers to the newspaper’s corporate headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, said her visit was aimed at deepening existing partnerships with credible media organisations.
The army spokesperson commended LEADERSHIP for its consistent and balanced reportage of security issues, describing the newspaper as a trusted ally. She expressed optimism that LEADERSHIP would support the army in countering propaganda by terrorists and other criminal elements.
“I want to thank you for the good work you are doing. I have been an avid reader of LEADERSHIP. You have been part of the family and are doing a good job. My message this morning is to appreciate what you have done and ask for your support in telling our stories,” she said.
Anele further said while the army does not claim to be flawless, it remained committed to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and improving the welfare of officers and men, noting, “We are not saying we are saints, but at least we will do our best”
Responding, the group managing director of LEADERSHIP, Muazu Elazeh, lauded the Nigerian Army for its role in safeguarding the nation and assured it of LEADERSHIP’s continued support.
He said LEADERSHIP had a deliberate policy of denying terrorists and other criminal elements propaganda, which oiled their operations, adding, “We try as much as possible to deny them publicity because that is what emboldens them.”
Elazeh lauded the Nigerian Army, saying, “We can sleep with our two eyes closed because of your actions. Security is the foundation of everything. You must be safe before you can talk about development.”
He urged the army’s public relations unit to remain accessible for clarifications, pledging that the paper would continue to provide balanced coverage in support of national security.
“The only thing we seek from you is to be available and accessible. If there is a need for our editors to reach out, they should be able to get you to clarify issues. We have a moral obligation to support the military. That will not change. In fact, it can only get better,” he added.
