The Nigerian Army yesterday named Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia as its Acting Director of Army Public Relations. She becomes the first woman ever to hold the post. The appointment takes effect from April 22, 2025.
Lieutenant Colonel Anele represented Direct Regular Course 15 and holds membership in the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. She succeeds Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who moves to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
At a brief ceremony in Abuja, Chief of Army Staff General Hassan Sallau praised Anele’s leadership skills. “Lt. Col. Anele combines professionalism and innovation,” General Sallau said. “Her appointment will strengthen our communication with the public.”
Anele completed a six‑month strategic studies course at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre. Until now, she served in the Army’s Civil‑Military Relations department.
She previously handled media duties as Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff. “I am honored and humbled,” Anele told reporters. “I pledge to uphold the Army’s values and enhance transparency.”
Colleagues lauded her appointment as “historic” and “long overdue.” One senior officer said, “She inspires women across the military.”
The Nigerian Army has increasingly spotlighted gender inclusion in recent years. Lt. Col. Anele’s promotion highlights those efforts, sources say.
Anele holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a master’s in Strategic Studies. She begins work immediately, leading a department tasked with managing the Army’s press releases, social media, and public engagement.
Observers expect her tenure to boost the Army’s public image and foster clearer citizen‑soldier dialogue. Many hope her role will encourage more women to pursue careers in military communications.
Her appointment marks a milestone in Nigeria’s military history. Lt. Col. Anele’s leadership at the Army’s public relations helm signals a new era of inclusive, effective communication for the nation’s armed forces.
