In a groundbreaking development, the Nigerian Army has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, marking the first time a woman will occupy the prestigious role in the history of the force.
The announcement, made public on Wednesday, signals a major stride toward gender inclusion within the military's leadership ranks. Lt Col Anele is set to officially assume office on April 22, 2025, taking over from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Lt Col Anele is a member of Direct Regular Course 15 and a registered member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Prior to this historic appointment, she served as the Public Relations Officer at the Office of the Chief of Army Staff. Her most recent posting was to the Department of Civil-Military Relations at Defence Headquarters, where she played a vital role in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
Her appointment has been widely hailed as a landmark moment, not just for the Nigerian Army but for women in uniform across the country. It reflects the military’s growing commitment to recognizing and elevating the contributions of female officers in strategic and leadership roles.
Military analysts and gender advocates have described the development as timely and inspiring, noting that it sets a powerful precedent for future female leadership within the armed forces.
As Lt Col Anele prepares to step into her new role, she carries with her years of experience, dedication to service, and a reputation for excellence in military public relations.
Many have expressed hope that her leadership will bring fresh perspectives to military communications and further strengthen the relationship between the Army and the Nigerian public.
She is wished great success as she breaks new ground and paves the way for more inclusive representation in the nation’s security architecture.