In a historic development for the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele has officially assumed office as the first female spokesperson in the military’s over 150-year history.
The change of baton ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, where Lt-Col Anele took over from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu as the new Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR). Her appointment followed a recent posting and redeployment by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
In her maiden address, Anele expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the Army leadership. “I thank the Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy of this historic appointment,” she said. “I assure you and the entire leadership of the Nigerian Army that I will justify this confidence by remaining absolutely loyal, committed, focused and results-driven.”
She also paid tribute to her predecessor, commending his exceptional leadership and transformative efforts. “Your contributions to enhancing the image and strategic communication of the Nigerian Army are remarkable,” she stated, addressing Maj.-Gen. Nwachukwu directly. “You remain an integral part of the DAPR family, and I will always value your counsel and support.”
Anele urged the officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of the Directorate to remain committed and pledged her leadership would be rooted in transparency, professionalism, and respect. “We will continue to tell the Nigerian Army’s story, not just through words, but through actions that reflect honour, sacrifice, responsibility, and service,” she emphasized.
She also appealed to media professionals, particularly defence correspondents, to “uphold truth, fairness, and responsibility in our engagements for the good of our great country, Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who had served as Army spokesperson since June 16, 2021, reflected on his tenure and the transformative strides taken under his watch.
“Today, I dare to say with confidence that I did not merely react to the challenges posed by modern media, I boldly confronted them with innovation, vision, and purpose,” Nwachukwu declared.
He listed significant achievements including the acquisition of cutting-edge multimedia equipment, the establishment of the Nigerian Army Info TV for audio-visual content production, and the creation of a fully functional Strategic Communications Centre. These moves, he said, positioned the Directorate for efficiency and strategic impact in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“I recognised the centrality of human capital development,” he added, noting that he facilitated specialized training both locally and internationally to build capacity in strategic communication, crisis messaging, and digital warfare.
Describing the Army’s media arm as a strategic tool in modern warfare, he noted, “It has been a journey of transformation—redefining army public relations not just as a support service, but as a strategic arm in national security management.”
Nwachukwu thanked the uniformed and civilian personnel of the Directorate for their support. “Your commitment was the wind beneath my wings. Together, we laid the bricks for a solid institutional legacy.”
He also extended his appreciation to the past and present Chiefs of Army Staff for their guidance and unflinching support throughout his tenure.
