In a landmark appointment, the Nigerian Army has named Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, making her the first woman to ever hold the position. Her appointment signals a significant shift toward greater gender inclusion within the ranks of the Nigerian military. Lt. Col. Anele will officially assume her role on April 22, 2025, succeeding Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who has been redeployed.
Lt. Col. Anele is a seasoned public relations officer and a graduate of the Direct Regular Course 15. She is also a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Her previous roles include serving in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff and in the Department of Civil-Military Relations. Most recently, she completed a six-month strategic course at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, further equipping her for her new leadership responsibilities.
This historic promotion has been met with widespread acclaim as a progressive step for the Nigerian Army. Lt. Col. Anele’s appointment is expected to enhance transparency, foster better relationships between the Army and the public, and promote more effective civil-military engagement. Analysts believe her communication strategy could usher in a new era of professionalism and inclusivity in military-public relations.
As she takes over the reins of the Army’s communication machinery, expectations are high that Lt. Col. Anele will bring a fresh perspective rooted in experience and strategic insight. Her rise also serves as an inspiration to women in uniform and across Nigeria, reaffirming the evolving role of women in national security and leadership.
