Abuja – In a groundbreaking moment for gender representation in the Nigerian military, Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele has officially assumed office as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations (Ag DAPR), making history as the first female to occupy the position.
The ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, marked the formal handover from the outgoing spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, whose tenure began in June 2021. Lt. Col. Anele, taking the reins with a deep sense of duty and humility, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the opportunity to serve at such a pivotal level in the Nigerian Army.
“This appointment is a call to higher responsibility. I assure the Chief of Army Staff and the entire Nigerian Army leadership of my absolute loyalty, focus, and commitment to results,” she said in her inaugural address. “I pledge to lead the Directorate with transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness.”
Lt. Col. Anele lauded her predecessor for his strategic innovations, including the establishment of Nigerian Army Info Television and the modernization of Army public relations with state-of-the-art multimedia equipment and a strategic communication center. She pledged to build upon the solid foundation laid by Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu, while strengthening ties with the media and ensuring the Army’s narratives are told credibly and honorably.
While addressing officers, soldiers, and civilian staff within the Directorate, she urged for unity, diligence, and loyalty. “With a shared vision and collective effort, we will take Army Public Relations to greater heights,” she affirmed.
Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu, in his valedictory remarks, reflected on his nearly four-year journey, highlighting how the Directorate evolved into a strategic communications hub. He cited major achievements including improved media visibility, international training opportunities for personnel, and enhanced crisis communication capabilities.
“It has been a journey of redefining army public relations as a strategic arm in contemporary warfare and national security,” he said, expressing heartfelt appreciation to the Army leadership and media stakeholders for their support.
The event concluded with the official signing of handover notes, decoration with uniform embellishments, and group photographs — marking a symbolic and historic transfer of leadership in Nigerian military communications.
With Lt. Col. Anele at the helm, the Nigerian Army’s public relations is set to embrace a new chapter, one defined by innovation, inclusivity, and purposeful storytelling.
Peoplesmind