By Olayemi Esan
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu's tenure as the Nigerian Army's spokesperson was marked by excellence and dedication. His leadership and communication skills played a crucial role in shaping the Army's public image and fostering transparency.
SpyeTV News explore his achievements and impact. The eventful and fulfilling almost four-year tenure of Major General Onyema Nwachukwu as the Director, Army Public Relations, has transformed the way we tell the Nigerian Army’s story credibly, and authoritatively which has enhanced the image and narrative of the Nigerian Army.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu took the oath of office as the Nigerian Army spokesperson on 16th June 2021, during the tenure of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya (rtd), the 21st COAS and he served as Director Army Public Relations during the tenure of three Chief of Army Staff with excellence and dedication.
When he assumed duty on 16 June 2021, he was fully aware of the enormous expectations that came with it, especially in an era defined by the rapid evolution of the digital media landscape, the proliferation of information channels and the relentless demand for timely, accurate and strategic communication. He knew that to remain relevant and effective, he modernize, adapt, and led the media war from the front.
Major General Nwachukwu did not merely react to these challenges, he boldly confronted them head-on with innovation, vision, purpose. One of the major milestones was the retooling of the Directorate with cutting-edge multimedia equipment, positioning the department to respond swiftly and professionally to both operational and non-operational media engagements. He ensured the acquisition of modern cameras, editing suites, audio-visual systems and digital communication tools necessary to thrive in the fast-paced global media space.
Going further, he also recognized the centrality of human capital development. To that end, he facilitated specialized local and international training for Public Relations officers and soldiers, exposing them to global best practices in strategic communication, crisis messaging, digital warfare, and media analytics. This has undoubtedly transformed the way they tell the Nigerian Army’s story credibly, and authoritatively.
The establishment of a fully functional Strategic Communications Centre stands today as a testament to their resolve to institutionalize deliberate and well-coordinated messaging. This centre has become the nerve hub for synchronized communication efforts across all formations and units.
In addition, the directorate under Major General Nwachuwku 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, has 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 Nigeria borders.
Major General Nwachukwu also ensured deepened relationships with traditional and new media actors, built bridges of understanding, and amplified the narratives of gallantry, resilience, and professionalism that define troops on the frontlines.
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.
As he hands over to his successor, Lieutenant Colonel (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele, his legacy serves as a benchmark for future Army spokespersons.
In his handing over remarks, Major General Nwachukwu said as he move on to the next phase of his career in service of our dear nation, he is leaving in confident that the Nigerian Army Public Relations is now better positioned to meet the demands of the future.