ABUJA – The newly appointed Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, on Friday assumed duty with an appeal to the media to continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Army.
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Usman said that the media had been supportive and wonderful in this period of security challenges faced by the army and the country.
“Gentlemen of the press, you have been wonderful all throughout and I want you not to relent on your oars, continue to give us your cooperation and understanding.
“Bearing in mind that the Army, indeed the country is facing a critical challenge posed by the Boko Haram terrorists.
“And it is our desire to make sure that peace and development are restored to the war ravaged part of the country.
“And this cannot be done without the understanding of the gentlemen of the press, I hope you will continue to do that and even do more,’’ he urged.
Usman said that he was conscious of the expectations and the demand of the office he was going into and promised to be loyal and dedicated.
He said that his predecessor had lifted the Directorate of Army Public Relations to a greater height, promising that officers and men of the directorate will continue from where he stopped and even do better.
“I promise to build on what you (Laleye) have done and also give my very best to the Nigerian Army.’’
Usman also informed the officers and soldiers of the directorate that there was a lot to be done, reminding them that he was to provide leadership as the bulk of the work was a collective responsibility.
He said he was sure that the officers would cooperate with him to justify the confidence and trust reposed on the directorate.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Usman was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) in 1992.
Until his appointment, he was the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division Nigerian Army, Maiduguri; North-East Nigeria.
The acting director attended various military and civil courses as well as seminars both in Nigeria and abroad in the course of his military career.
Usman took over from Brig.-Gen. Olajide Laleye, who had being posted to Benin as the Brigade Commander of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army.
Earlier, Lalaye appreciated the media and personnel of the directorate for the unflinching support he received from them during his tenure as the Director of Army Public Relations.
He appealed to the media and personnel of the directorate to accord his successor the same cooperation he enjoyed from them while in office. (NAN)