On Monday, July 7, outgoing Director of Public Relations and Information, (DOPRI), of the Nigerian Air Force, (NAF), Air Commodore Yusuf Anas handed over to the new DOPRI, Air Commodore Dele Alonge at the Air Marshal MD Umar Blue Room in NAF headquarters, Abuja. JIBRIN BABA NDACE writes that the event marked both an end and a beginning
On July 4, 2014, the information department of the Nigerian Air Force sent an invitation through emails to defence correspondents with a title: “Press Invitation to DOPRI Interactive Session”. It was a two-paragraph letter which didn’t give out any information other than the event was to be an interactive session with the director, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas. The letter was signed by Air Commodore Dele Alonge for the DOPRI.
The letter reads thus: “The Director of Information and Public Relations, (DOPRI), Nigeria Air Force is scheduled to have an interactive session with Defence Correspondents on 7 July, 2014 at the Air Marshal MD Umar Ball Room at the NAF Headquarter, Abuja.”
And defence correspondents waited patiently for the DOPRI’s interactive session. However, the interactive session turned out to be the last interaction between, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, an officer and gentleman with defence correspondents in his official capacity as the image maker of the Nigerian Air Force.
He broke the news himself: “I am very sorry for keeping you waiting, Anas said, in his usual calm and soft voice. “I was with my oga. And you know, once you are with oga, until he releases you,’ he added with a smile.
He hit the nail on the head thus: “I invited you to inform you formally that I have handed over the mantle of leadership of the department to my deputy, Air Commodore Dele Alonge.”
“I feel that it would be improper to leave without informing you, being defence correspondents. I have worked with you closely and have enjoyed cordial relationships with you,” he added.
The outgoing DOPRI, Air Commodore Yusuf thanked the media for their support to the Air Force during his tenure as the Air Force Spokes person.
“I must sincerely thank all of you for the support and cooperation you extended to me. We have had close relationship and we have interacted very closely. ”
A man of few words, Anas said that he was convinced that his successor was well articulated to give out the necessary information to the public on the role of the Air Force in the present security.
“I have no doubt in the capacity of my successor who I have worked closely with for many years.”
He urged the media to extend the same hand of friendship and cooperation to his successor as he assumes office as the new director.
“Please, extend the same cooperation and support you gave me to the new DOPRI.”
Speaking on the outstanding qualities of the former DOPRI, the Guardian Newspaper, Abuja Bureau Chief and Defence Correspondent for over two decades, Madu Onorah said he knew Air Commodore Anas since he was a wing commander, adding that he has remained a calm, humble and dedicated professional whose sterling qualities of service to the Nigerian Air Force in particular and Nigeria in general would be missed.
A member of 27 Regular Course of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Anas was commissioned Pilot officer on 4 July 1982. In addition to military course such as Junior Division (JD), Senior Division (SD) and Strategic Course at Armed Force Command and Staff College (AFCSC) and National Defence College, Anas who served as director under six Chiefs of Air Staff, also attended civil course at home and abroad.
Also commenting on Anas, the new DOPRI, Air Commodore Dele Alonge said he has worked closely with him, noting that he was a worthy ambassador who served the NAF to the best of his ability.
“He served the NAF dedicatedly. Even if he is out of the department either on course or any other assignment he was always concern.”
Alonge promised to build on the good work of his predecessor adding that the outgoing DOPPRI was known for his open door policy.
“I am assuring you that his open door policy will be wider, I will not miss it .I will try as much as possible within my best to take the Nigerian Air Force higher in whichever way than it is.
Alonge urged the media to always clarify issues with him before going to press adding that whatever information is needed about the Air Force he was willing to give out.
He also thanked the Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu for finding him worthy to step into the shoes of his boss and mentor.
Born on February 8, 1963 at Okebun Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the new image maker of the NAF was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of Regular Combatant Course in September 1984 and Graduated in 1988 with a BA Hons.
Alonge was commissioned into the Air Force as a Pilot Officer in September 1989 before his appointment; he was the Deputy Director Air Force Public Relations and Information before his elevation to director.
