In a significant and historic move, the Nigerian Army has named Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia as its Acting Director of Army Public Relations, making her the first woman ever appointed to the role. The decision, which marks a groundbreaking shift in the military’s communication leadership, takes effect from April 22, 2025.
Lieutenant Colonel Anele, who is a product of the Direct Regular Course 15, is also a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Her appointment follows the redeployment of her predecessor, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who has been assigned to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Before her promotion to this landmark position, Lt. Col. Anele recently completed a six-month strategic course at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre. Following the training, she was deployed to the Department of Civil-Military Relations, where she continued to build her expertise in fostering communication between the military and the public.
Her career path reflects a steady progression through key roles, including her time as the Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff. Her wealth of experience in military communications has set her apart as a forward-thinking officer with the skills and confidence to shape the Army’s public image at a time when transparency and trust remain crucial.
The appointment of Lt. Col. Anele is being seen as a win for gender inclusion in Nigeria’s defense sector. It also represents a vote of confidence in her ability to lead and modernize the Army’s public relations machinery. As she steps into this influential role, expectations are high, and her trailblazing journey is already serving as an inspiration for women in uniform across the country.
