It was a historic moment today, 22nd April 2025, at the handing and taking over ceremony between the outgoing Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen Onyema Nwachukwu and newly appointed acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col Onyechi Appolonia Anele, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Lieutenant Colonel (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele, the newly appointed Acting Director of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (Ag DAPR), is a seasoned, versatile and highly accomplished public relations, crisis and strategic communication expert with a steadfast commitment to excellence, discipline and service.
In her maiden remarks, the acting Director Public Relations Officer, Lt Col Onyechi Anele pledged to lead the Directorate with transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness.
"It is a moment I do not take lightly, not only because of the enormous responsibilities that come with this office, but also because of the expectations and most importantly, the historic significance of my appointment.
"We will continue to tell the Nigerian Army’s story, not just through words, but through actions that reflect honour, sacrifice, responsibility and service to the nation." she said
"To be entrusted with this strategic role as the Nigerian Army spokesperson being the first female officer in the history of the Nigerian Army and indeed Armed Forces of Nigeria. Therefore, I owe this opportunity to the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, NAM. Sir, I thank you most sincerely for finding me worthy of this appointment. 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."
While paying tribute to her immediate predecessors, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the new acting spokesperson said her predecessors whose passion, resilience, and professionalism laid a formidable foundation and transformed the Directorate of Army Public Relations to this enviable state.
She thanked dedicated officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of the Directorate, for thier enduring commitment. "Your collective efforts have kept the Directorate effective and respected. Therefore, I count on your continued support and cooperation as we work together to further enhance the Directorate’s capacity and relevance
"Your contributions to enhancing the image and strategic communication of the Nigerian Army are remarkable over the years you served as Director. Sir, you remain an integral part of the DAPR family, and I will always value your counsel and support.
"To our friends the media, particularly our defence correspondents, you are our partners in progress. I commend your professionalism in reporting military activities and encourage you to sustain the tempo.
"However, let us continue to uphold truth, fairness and responsibility in our engagements for the good of our great country, Nigeria. To the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other strategic partners, your role in professionalising public communication in the country and your continuous support to the Nigerian Army are deeply appreciated. I look forward to consolidating and expanding our collaboration
Earlier, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu in his remarks charged his successor to take the Directorate to even greater heights. "I am confident that you will carry the torch with purpose, passion, and integrity.
"I have this to say; the foundations have been laid by our founding fathers, upon which we have continued to build; the tools are in place.
"It has indeed been a journey of transformation, of redefining army public relations, not just as a support service, but as a strategic arm in contemporary warfare and national security management."he said
Amongst other achievements, Maj General Nwachukwu established of a fully functional Strategic Communications Centre stands today as a testament to our resolve to institutionalize deliberate and well-coordinated messaging. This centre has become the nerve hub for synchronized communication efforts across Nigerian Army formations and units
"The directorate under my watch berthed the first ever Nigerian Army Online TV named "Nigerian Army Info Tv" by establishing a state-of-the-art Studio at the Army Headquarters, purpose-built for the production of audio-visual contents, documentaries, news features and broadcast. This, I must assert, have significantly enhanced the media reach, engagement, and public perception of the Nigerian Army. Through this platform, the voice of the Nigerian Army now resonates louder and clearer, both within and beyond our borders" he noted
SpyeTV News reports that the official handing over ceremony was witnessed by acting Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information, NASPRI, Lieutenant Colonel Adamu Ngulde, senior officers of the directorate, Defence Correspondents and staff members of the Directorate of Army Public Relations.
Lt Col. Anele is widely recognised for her exceptional leadership acumen, deep professional insight and strategic foresight in advancing military public communication.
The Nigerian Army appointed Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyechi Appolonia, first female Director, Army Public Relations, though acting capacity.
She is a member of the Direct Regular Course 15 and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Anele took over from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who was posted to the Nigerian Army Future Heritage Centre, and the appointment takes effect today, Tuesday, April 22, 2025