NIGERIA: Lt. Col. Onyechi Becomes First Female Nigerian Army PR Acting Director, Resumes Office

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele has officially assumed command as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR).

She becomes the first woman to lead the Directorate since its establishment.

The symbolic 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, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.

Lt. Col. Anele’s appointment marks a significant step in the Nigerian Army’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion across its ranks.

A seasoned communication officer and member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), she brings a wealth of experience, having served as Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff and most recently at the Department of Civil-Military Relations at Defence Headquarters.

In her inaugural remarks, Anele expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for the opportunity to serve.

She vowed to uphold the legacy of professionalism, loyalty, and effective communication set by her predecessor.

“I am committed to telling the Nigerian Army’s story with honour, sacrifice, and service. We will continue to strengthen our strategic communication and work hand-in-hand with defence correspondents, the NIPR, and other stakeholders to project the Nigerian Army’s image in the best light,” she said.

She also called for continuous public support for the military, emphasizing the critical role of the Army in preserving national unity and peace in collaboration with other security agencies.

Major General Nwachukwu, in his valedictory address, reflected on his tenure, highlighting key achievements such as capacity building for officers through specialized local and international training in crisis communication, digital media warfare, and strategic messaging.

He noted that under his leadership, the Directorate significantly expanded the Army’s digital presence and public engagement, ensuring that the voice of the Nigerian Army is “loud and clear both within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.”

Nwachukwu praised his team’s dedication and encouraged Lt. Col. Anele to build on the strong institutional foundation laid during his time in office.

The event featured the formal signing of handing-over notes, presentation of the command flag, and the decoration of Lt. Col. Anele with the Directorate’s insignia.

Senior officers, Deputy Directors, and representatives from within and outside the Federal Capital Territory attended the ceremony in a show of support and solidarity.

With this appointment, Lt. Col. Anele not only breaks a glass ceiling within the military’s communication architecture but also sets the stage for greater female participation in strategic leadership roles within the Nigerian Armed Forces.