By ZAKAA LAZARUS
In a brief but symbolic ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele has assumed command as the pioneer female Director of Army Public Relations (D APR) in acting capacity, marking a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to promote diversity and gender inclusion.
In a ceremony held today, Tuesday 22 April 2025 at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, Lieutenant Colonel Anele took over from the immediate past Director, APR, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, whom has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Abuja.
Speaking during the handing and taking over ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Anele expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede for the opportunity to serve as the Army spokesperson. She assured the Army leadership that she will justify the confidence reposed in her by remaining loyal, committed, focused, and discharging her duties most promptly and professionally.
The Acting Director paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, acknowledging his passion, resilience and professionalism, which have laid a solid foundation for the Directorate and enhanced the Nigerian Army’s image and strategic communication.
She extolled the vital role of defence correspondents in reporting military activities and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other strategic partners in professionalizing public communications in the country and their continuous support to the Nigerian Army.
In her call to action, the Acting D APR called for continuous support to the Nigerian Army as it works tirelessly, in conjunction with other sister security agencies to safeguard the nation’s peace, unity, and sovereignty. She pledged to continue telling the Nigerian Army’s story through actions that reflect honour, sacrifice, and service to the nation.
In his valedictory remarks, the immediate past Director, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, highlighted the modest achievements of the Directorate under his stewardship which have positioned the Directorate to respond swiftly and professionally to both operational and non-operational challenges.
He noted some achievements to include the facilitation of specialized local and international training for officers and soldiers, exposing them to global best practices in strategic communication, crisis messaging, digital media warfare, and media analytics.
Major General Nwachukwu stated that these strides have significantly enhanced the media reach, engagement, and public perception of the Nigerian Army. He added that the voice of the Nigerian Army now resonates loud and clear both within and beyond the country’s borders.
He expressed gratitude to the COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede NAM, for the opportunity to serve in the capacity of the D APR. He equally thanked officers and soldiers of the Directorate for their dedication and loyalty, which have laid the foundation for a solid institutional legacy.
He called on the incoming Director to continue building on the already laid foundation and to take the Directorate to even greater heights.
The event was marked by the signing of handing and taking over notes, the presentation of the command flag, and the decoration of the acting Director with the insignia of the Directorate of Army Public Relations.
The assumption of command ceremony was attended by senior officers, DAPR Deputy Directors, Acting Deputy Directors, and Assistant Deputy Directors from within and outside the Federal Capital Territory.
Lieutenant Colonel Anele Appolonia, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), previously served as the Public Relations Officer to the former Chief of Army Staff.
Until her latest appointment, she served at the Department of Civil-Military Relations, Defence Headquarters.
