Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi
Appolonia Makes History as First Female Army Spokesperson in Nigeria
The Nigerian Army Appoints Lt. Col. Anele as Acting Director of Army Public Relations
In a groundbreaking appointment, the Nigerian Army has named Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia as the **first female spokesperson in its history. She will serve as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, with her appointment taking effect from April 22, 2025.
Who Is Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia?
Lt. Col. Anele is a respected officer and a member of Direct Regular Course 15. She is also affiliated with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), showcasing her strong professional background in strategic communication and public affairs.
Her Journey to Becoming Army Spokesperson
Before her latest appointment, Lt. Col. Anele completed a six-month strategic leadership course at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre**. She was then posted to the Department of Civil-Military Relations, where she contributed to improving relationships between the military and the public.
She also served as the **Public Relations Officer, in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, a key role that prepared her for this new leadership position.
Changing the Narrative: A First for Women in the Nigerian Army
With this historic appointment, Lt. Col. Anele becomes the **first woman to hold the position of Army spokesperson, signaling a major step forward for **gender inclusion in the Nigerian military. Her appointment follows the redeployment of **Major General Onyema Nwachukwu**, who now heads the **Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre
What This Means for the Nigerian Army
This move reflects the Nigerian Army's growing commitment to **diversity, strategic communication, and modern military leadership**. Lt. Col. Anele’s experience and professionalism are expected to enhance the Army’s public engagement and media relations going forward.