By

Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu)

 

The historic appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele as the first female spokesperson of the Nigerian Army is far more than a victory for gender representation — it signals a progressive shift in the Army’s public relations strategy and a renewed emphasis on professionalism.

 

The handing-over ceremony at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, though brief, was deeply symbolic. In a dignified event, Lt. Col. Anele formally assumed the role from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who has been redeployed to lead the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre. Witnessing the occasion through a video feed, one could sense the excitement reverberating across military and public relations circles.

 

In her first official remarks, Lt. Col. Anele conveyed deep appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for placing his trust in her. She pledged absolute loyalty, diligence, and a commitment to advancing the Army’s reputation for honour, service, and sacrifice.

 

“I will continue to justify the confidence reposed in me through dedication, focus, and prompt delivery of our strategic communications,” she stated. Lt. Col. Anele also expressed gratitude to defence correspondents, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and key stakeholders for their unwavering support in promoting the Army’s image.

 

Paying tribute to her predecessor, Major General Nwachukwu, she praised his leadership, which, she noted, had elevated the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ credibility and broadened its operational scope.

 

Major General Nwachukwu, in his farewell address, reflected on significant strides made under his watch, particularly in strengthening strategic communication, enhancing crisis messaging frameworks, advancing digital media operations, and deepening international media engagements. These efforts, he emphasized, have greatly improved both the public perception and global visibility of the Nigerian Army.

 

“I am proud of the professional strides we have made, and I am confident that Lt. Col. Anele will take the Directorate to even greater heights,” he remarked, offering heartfelt appreciation to the COAS and the Directorate’s personnel.

 

The ceremony featured the symbolic signing of the handing-over notes, the presentation of the command flag, and the official decoration of Lt. Col. Anele with the insignia of the Directorate of Army Public Relations. Senior military officials, deputy directors, and PR officers from across the country attended, marking the momentous occasion.

 

Lt. Col. Anele’s appointment aligns with longstanding calls by the NIPR for adherence to professional standards in public relations appointments. According to the NIPR Act (Decree No. 16 of 1990, now Cap N114, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), it is a legal requirement that any individual holding a public relations position must be a certified member of the Institute. Violations of this law are punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. The NIPR’s Compliance Committee, chaired by retired Major General Chris Olukolade, has been instrumental in enforcing these standards.

 

In this regard, Lt. Col. Anele’s appointment is doubly significant. As an Associate Member of the NIPR, she not only shatters a long-standing gender ceiling but also underscores the Army’s growing commitment to professionalism and regulatory compliance in public affairs.

 

A native of Ehime-Mbano in Imo State, Lt. Col. Anele’s journey reflects determination, resilience, and a strong sense of duty. She received her early education in Jos, Plateau State, and pursued a Diploma and Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication at the University of Jos. Following her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) assignment, she was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 2007.

 

Her professional portfolio is both rich and diverse. Over the years, she has undertaken extensive local and international training in media operations, crisis information management, peace support operations, and strategic communications. She holds two Master’s degrees: one in Gender, Peace, and Security from the prestigious Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana, and another in Leadership and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

 

Lt. Col. Anele’s distinguished career has seen her excel in various key roles. She served as the Military Public Information Officer for the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Public Relations Officer to the Chief of Army Staff, Acting Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at the Nigerian Army Welfare Holdings Limited by Guarantee, and a staff officer at the Defence Headquarters’ Department of Civil-Military Cooperation.

 

Her stellar service has earned her several commendations, including the prestigious Forces Service Star (FSS). She was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2021. Beyond her professional achievements, she is happily married, reflecting a balance between personal and professional life.

 

Expectations are high for Lt. Col. Anele as she embarks on this new chapter. Drawing from her extensive experience in civil-military relations and strategic communication, she is well-positioned to enhance the Army’s public engagement, build public trust, and promote a culture of transparency and openness.

 

In an era dominated by complex information environments and the power of social media, her background in media operations and crisis communication will be invaluable. She is expected to lead reforms aimed at modernizing the Army’s public relations architecture, strengthening its local and international reputation, and ensuring more responsive and strategic communication.

 

The appointment of Lt. Col. Anele is not merely symbolic; it is transformational. It reflects a maturing institutional culture within the Nigerian Army — one that recognises the importance of professionalism, inclusivity, and strategic communication in today’s rapidly evolving defence environment.

 

Credit must be given to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his visionary leadership and commitment to upholding both gender equity and professional standards. His decision to entrust this critical role to a qualified and capable woman sends a powerful message to the entire nation — and indeed to Africa at large — about the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for women in leadership.

 

Lt. Col. Anele’s groundbreaking appointment is a triumph not just for her personally but for all advocates of excellence, transparency, and gender equality. It heralds a future where the military’s public face reflects the values of modern professionalism and inclusivity.

 

In Lt. Col. Onyechi Appolonia Anele, the Nigerian Army has found a spokesperson who embodies the spirit of service, competence, and integrity — qualities that will no doubt define a new era of communication and engagement for Nigeria’s military forces.