In a historic move, the Nigerian Army has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyechi Appolonia as its first-ever female Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), in an acting capacity.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the Army’s evolving leadership landscape and commitment to gender inclusion.
Lieutenant Colonel Anele assumes the role following the redeployment of Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who has been posted to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Her new role takes effect from April 22, 2025.
A seasoned military officer and communications expert, Lt. Col. Anele brings years of strategic experience to the position.
She previously served as the Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff and, until her latest appointment, was deployed to the Defence Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Relations.
A distinguished member of the Direct Regular Course 15, she is also a registered professional with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), further underscoring her competence in strategic communication and military-media relations.
Her appointment has been widely praised as a progressive step towards strengthening the Army’s engagement with the public and media through inclusive leadership.
Credit: Independent except headline
